Master of Arts in Critical Craft Studies

The MA in Critical Craft Studies is a low-residency graduate program in craft history and theory. This full-time, four-semester/ five-residency program is the first of its kind in the US. Students and faculty meet for two weeks of lectures, workshops, seminars, readings, project work, and individual conferences each July and January. The two-year continuous program begins in July; all July residencies are held on the Warren Wilson campus, and January residencies are held in downtown Asheville with classes at The Center for Craft. Students return to campus for a fifth and final residency to present their final projects in a public colloquium, co-organized by Warren Wilson College and The Center for Craft. Students work individually and collaboratively during residencies the following semester terms. Each student spends 20-25 hours per week on readings, writing and research assignments, meetings with mentors in their place of residence or online, online faculty sessions, and group meetings. Coursework builds critical thinking, research methods, and experience with formats ranging from writing and podcasts to exhibitions and curriculum development. Final projects demonstrate applied knowledge in craft histories and theories, and may include: a journal-article length thesis; an exhibition with essays, programs and texts; curricular development with lectures; a scholarly conference with publication; a podcast series; online exhibition or research website; or a collected series of short critical essays.Faculty include leading theorists, historians, scholars and artists in the field of craft studies, art history, art, material culture, anthropology and other connected disciplines from the US and abroad; faculty work with students during residencies and online during the semester. Mentors meet in person or online with students each semester, and offer additional connections to the field and ways to connect curriculum and communities. Faculty present their work in public programs during residencies; these are free and open to the public.