General Program Information
1. What is the Masters Fellowship?
The Masters Fellowship is a two-year, fully funded program for emerging representational painters offered by The Masters Academy of Art (MAA). Fellows receive comprehensive support—including a $50,000 yearly stipend, studio space, mentorship, and exhibition opportunities—to help them produce significant works that further the classical realist tradition in a modern context.
2. Where is the Fellowship located?
The Masters Fellowship operates out of MAA’s facility in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood. Fellows will have dedicated studios in our renovated 19th-century building, along with access to collaborative spaces, lecture halls, and galleries.
3. When does the Fellowship start?
For the 2025–2026 cycle, studios open on October 1, 2025, with the program officially kicking off on October 6, 2025. We anticipate hosting a welcome reception and orientation in early October to help incoming Fellows settle into their new workspace and community.
Eligibility & Admissions
4. Do I need a formal art education to apply?
No. While formal training can be helpful, the MAA recognizes that not all talented representational painters have had access to traditional atelier or academic programs. Your portfolio is the most important component of your application. We seek artists who demonstrate a high degree of technical proficiency and personal vision, regardless of formal credentials.
5. Can I attend if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Currently, we are unable to sponsor student or work visas. All applicants must be able to legally reside and work in the United States for the full duration of the Fellowship. However, we do plan to expand our online offerings—featuring tutorials and lectures—for an international audience.
6. Is there an age requirement?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the time the program begins. There is no upper age limit, and we welcome a wide range of life experiences.
7. What if I can’t commit to a full two-year, in-person program?
The Masters Fellowship requires full-time, on-site participation in Seattle. If relocating or dedicating two years is not feasible, you may wish to consider our public workshops, short-term intensives, and online options. Feel free to reapply for the Fellowship in a future cycle when you can meet the residency requirements.
8. How many applicants are selected each year?
Up to 10 Fellows are chosen annually, reflecting the program’s commitment to individualized attention and mentorship.
Application Process
9. What materials are required for the application?
You must submit:
- A portfolio of 5–10 recent works demonstrating technical ability and conceptual focus
- A short biography outlining your artistic background
- An artist statement detailing your influences and aspirations
- A statement of interest in the Masters Fellowship, explaining how it aligns with your goals
- Contact information for 2–3 professional references
10. What is the application timeline?
- March 15, 2025: Application Deadline
- March 20, 2025: Notification of advancement to the second round or denial
- March 20 – 30, 2025: Interviews (in-person or via Zoom) for second-round applicants
- April 10, 2025: Final decision announcements
- April 20, 2025: Fellowship offers must be signed and returned
11. What does the interview process involve?
Second-round applicants will complete a 20–30 minute interview, which may be conducted in person (if local) or via Zoom. The interview allows the selection committee to learn more about your goals, artistic philosophy, and readiness for a rigorous full-time program.
Financial & Logistical Considerations
12. How is the Fellowship funded?
Each Fellow receives a $50,000 annual stipend (distributed monthly) to help with living expenses. Additional stipends are provided for materials and model hires. While these stipends are generous, any expenses beyond the allotted amounts will be the Fellow’s responsibility.
13. Are there housing options?
We have four studio apartments available that will be part of the awarded Fellowship based on the need and circumstance of individual Fellows. Fellows are also free to secure their own housing in Seattle. If you aren’t selected for one of the downtown apartments, our staff can provide guidance on local accommodations.
14. Can I work a part-time job while participating in the Fellowship?
Because this is a full-time program designed to immerse Fellows in a rigorous studio practice and curriculum, outside employment can be challenging. If you do choose to work part-time, it should not conflict with the required Fellowship schedule or your progress in the program. We encourage Fellows to also create smaller works of art outside of regular hours that we can show and sell in our Masters Gallery, or that they can send to galleries they may already have affiliations with.
Curriculum & Program Structure
15. What is the daily schedule like?
Fellows typically spend five days per week in their studios mostly working on their individual projects, or attending required workshops, critiques, and lectures. Additional time is often devoted to collaborative reviews, lectures from visiting artists, self-guided research, and open drawing/painting sessions with a model.
16. What does the curriculum cover?
For the most part, Fellows will be working on their individual fellowship projects. Regular feedback and critiques will be given each week by our Director, as well as by assigned Remote Mentors, and in a weekly group setting with other Fellows. The majority of the Fellowship is focused on creating significant works of art. Supplementary elements of the curriculum also include:
- Workshops & Master Classes: Lectures and demonstrations on art history, theory, composition, and more
- Liberal Arts Seminars: Broader contextual studies focusing on the figurative tradition, the philosophy of beauty, and cultural relevance
- Professional Development: Training in grant writing, marketing, social media, networking, and gallery relationships
17. Are there specific artistic requirements?
Fellows are expected to complete 4–8 major works each year, plus one work based on an abstract theme (e.g., joy, grief, or unity) that each Fellow will be free to interpret in their own way. The work must align with the broad classical realist tradition and meet certain size or complexity requirements as approved by the Fellowship panel.
Expectations & Responsibilities
18. What if I need to take a leave of absence?
The program is immersive and continuous; however, if unforeseen circumstances arise, requests for a leave of absence can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Extended absences may affect your standing or ability to complete the Fellowship.
19. Do I keep the rights to my artwork?
At the end of each Fellowship year, one piece is added to the MAA’s permanent collection. All other works remain the property of the Fellow, who can choose to sell or exhibit them independently, subject to certain commission splits for sales made through The Masters Gallery.
20. What happens if a Fellow fails to meet expectations?
We have mid-year and final critiques to assess progress. In rare cases, if a Fellow shows insufficient dedication or consistently fails to meet program standards, they may be placed on probation or dismissed. Our goal is to support each artist’s success, so early intervention and mentorship are provided.
FAQs for Journalists & Media
21. Can journalists visit the studios?
Absolutely. We welcome journalists, bloggers, and other media representatives to tour the facility, interview Fellows, and observe studio life—by appointment. To schedule, email us at [email protected].
22. Are there public events or exhibitions for coverage?
Yes. Throughout the year, the MAA hosts public lectures, open studios, and the year-end exhibition showcasing Fellows’ work. Media are invited to attend these events and share insights on the creative journeys of our Fellows.
23. Do you offer press kits or interview opportunities?
Yes, we maintain a press kit that includes images, Fellow bios, and program details. We’re also happy to arrange interviews with our faculty, Fellows, or leadership team to discuss the Fellowship and its broader cultural impact.
Contact Information
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss the Masters Fellowship in more detail, please reach out:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 801.822.8802
- Website: https://www.mastersacademyofart.com/
We look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your interest in The Masters Fellowship.
