Dodd MFA Exit 2015

We practice and teach professional ambition throughout the Franklin College, and nowhere more vigorously than in the Lamar Dodd School of Art. Students work hard to develop their sense of expectation for themselves and set their professional goals accordingly. But no matter what our faculty (and staff) might say, it's what they do that remains paramount and sends the strongest signals to our students. That's one reason why the 2015 Dodd MFA Exit Show expanding to Atlanta and New York is such a big deal:

For the first time, Master of Fine Arts degree candidates in the University of Georgia Lamar Dodd School of Art are taking their exit show on the road. Partnerships in Atlanta and New York City are giving the students the opportunity to gain exposure among the nation's top arts scenes.

Exhibitions featuring work by graduating students will be on view April 11 to May 3 at the Georgia Museum of Art and April 6 through April 30 at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, with an opening reception April 22. Work representing all 19 students and selected from the two exhibitions will then be shown at Rogue Space Chelsea in New York from May 26 to June 4, with an opening reception on May 28.

...

"This year's graduating class has created varied and exceptional work. In my first year as director, I am proud to be a small part our first MFA class to exhibit in New York, Athens and Atlanta as a culmination of their studies," said Chris Garvin, professor and director of the school of art. "We are excited that these graduating students will renew a great Dodd tradition of exporting Georgia art to the rest of the world while starting a new legacy for future classes to embrace."

That could not be more correct. New director, new energy in the galleries these past couple of years, re-invigorated faculty and engaged student body. The Dodd is thriving as it enters a new epoch, renewing the vision of Lamar Dodd for the role of the arts for the citizens of the state as it fulflls a central role at UGA by taking students' work out into the world.

See you at the Georgia Museum opening reception Friday April 10.

Image: Road Trip, by Georgia Rhodes. Archival Inkjet print, 24x30 inches