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Student and Alumni Quotes

If you would like to learn more about the amazing and talented students who have participated in this program, please visit the Student and Alumni pages of this website where you can see their work and connect to their individual websites.

In the meantime, take a look inside the minds of some of our students by reading through their first-hand thoughts on this program and what it has meant to so many people involved in all areas of illustration.

 


“After a twenty year break, I decided to return to school for my MFA. I needed the degree to enhance my teaching opportunities, but I also wanted to connect with the illustration community in a bigger way (to get off the island for a bit!) But as a successful freelance illustrator I was hesitant to up and move and put on hold what I had worked so hard to establish. So I actually gave up the idea entirely, until one day, purely by accident, I stumbled upon the University of Hartford's Low Residency program website. At first it seemed too good to be true -- it was just so perfect for someone like me. I researched the faculty (notables like Nancy Stahl, Gary Kelley, Chris Payne) and alums (among them Drawgers like Scott Bakal and James O'Brien) and I ended up enrolling, and now I feel the need to spread the word. It’s a true gem of a program, and I almost missed it! We meet at various key cities in the country for a total of four weeks out of the year each year, which is entirely do-able from my business's standpoint. And during those weeks we attend classes and lectures by some of the top illustrators in the business. It truly is an amazing experience.”

Amy DeVoogd, Class of 2012
Chicago, IL

“My time in this Low Residency MFA in Illustration program has been a whirlwind and a life-changing experience. This program has given me the extra edge to really direct my own creative destiny. I feel liberated and exhausted. I graduated with the highest degree available in my field; with classmates and mentors whom I adore, with friendships I will cherish, and with a body of work that I feel I waited a lifetime to realize. Hartford Art School was one of the best things I could have done for myself.”

Anne Catharine Blake, Class of 2008
Binghamton, NY

“I want to thank and compliment you for providing an exciting, stimulating and rewarding experience at the Hartford Art School. This being my third graduate program, and second distance program, I can tell you that Hartford's Low Residency Program outshines them all!!!

The positive chemistry of residence and visiting instructors working together offered a unified and positive energy to the classroom as they cracked the whip and got into the trenches directing us as a group and as individuals through projects and assignments that teased, tantalized and worked our imagination and creativity.

Having administration present for the first day kick off is a presence one might expect but the additional drop in visits by the Deans and the Provost during our stay demonstrated Hartford's support and belief in this stellar program.

Bill Thomson as Thesis Advisor is a gem! Not only did he offer his input, support and interest in our graduate project but also was present and available throughout the two week July residency responding to our projects and assignments as well. His availability and enthusiasm clearly showed the support and reassurance that we appreciated and needed as we worked towards our thesis exhibit and paper.

I truly feel honored and privileged being part of the first graduating class of the Low Residency MFA, Hartford Art School, University of Hartford. Thanks to all of you who have supported and made this program possible.”

Bob Dahm, Class of 2007
United Arab Emerites

“Having worked with other professional illustrators as faculty and fellow students and listening to their ideas of what makes a successful illustration, I have strengthened my approach in the classroom. The work that went into my thesis development changed my entire approach to creating an image and made me a much stronger illustrator in both content and execution and a much better educator.”

Chad Grohman, Class of 2010
Buffalo, NY

“I have graduated and I have my MFA. The last two weeks of classes ended July 24. The first week was a fantastic illustration class with C.F. Payne and Gary Kelley. I already knew they were talented illustrators but I discovered they are also gifted teachers. The second week was a self promotion class with Daniel Pelavin and Chris Spollen who are two of the funniest and most talented people I've ever met. Their class was full of laughs and tons of information. We each designed self promotion pieces specific to our work.

I have mixed feelings about finishing the program. On one hand I feel a tremendous sense of relief. No more projects or papers. No more worrying that I might not finish all my paintings on time for the final show. On the other hand, I'm going to miss the program and more specifically the people in it. My classmates are a great bunch of illustrators, and although I'm sure we will stay in touch and see each other from time to time, it won't be as often as it's been in the last two years.

I'll miss things like all my classmates going to the Leyendecker exhibit in California during our contact period there, and then taking over the back room of a nice little restaurant. I'll miss the excitement of critiques, finally seeing what everyone has done. Every time, I was blown away by the talent and skill on display. It was intimidating at times, knowing I had to put my paintings next to such amazing illustrations, but it was also very motivating.

And I'll miss my illustration mom and dad, Carol and Murray Tinkelman whose kindness and generosity have helped make the last years two of the best of my professional life.”

Chuck Primeau, Class of 2009
Canton, CT

“Just a note to say how much I enjoyed the Hartford Art School, Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program. It was extremely well organized, the stellar faculty was inspiring and supportive, the assignments were appropriate and challenging, and my classmates were an incredibly talented lot.

Because the students were also professional illustrators, the discussions and critiques were at a remarkably high level. I was challenged and came home exhausted from each contact period, filled with ideas for my illustration and teaching. Thanks to Carol and Murray for their hard work and perseverance.

Thanks for providing folks like me the opportunity to study with some truly great artist/educators and get my MFA while continuing to work and teach.”

Dan Brawner, Class of 2007
Nashville, TN

“The Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program at The University of Hartford is much more than just earning another degree. It was the environment for me to immerse myself into an academic community that fosters camaraderie and the benefit of peer to peer collaboration. My time spent in this program gave me the opportunity to realize more than my dream project. It allowed me to realize a new pathway as an artist. I continue to pursue additional personal stories as inspiration to develop new work and images.”

David M. Brinley, Class of 2010
Newark, DE

“I can say without hesitation that this MFA in Illustration Program is the best thing you can do for yourself as an illustrator. Whether you're going in to reinvent yourself as an illustrator or just need some plans on ways to market yourself (and just about everything in between, including a career in education) this program is dedicated to your cause. You'll be getting advice from some of the top names in the field. We have met with Ted and Betsy Lewin, Leo and Diane Dillon, Steve Brodner, Joe Ciardiello, Burt Silverman, Peter de Seve, Zina Saunders, Arnie Roth, Walt and Rodger Reed, and the list goes on. Daniel Abraham spoke about legal issues for illustrators and Cheryl Phelps spoke about licensing your images. The above was just one week in New York City, just think of all the people you will meet in your ten weeks of contact time.”

David Labrozzi, Class of 2010
Arlington, VA

“The Low Residency Illustration MFA at the University of Hartford has taken my creativity into a totally new territory. The faculty are top-notch professionals, and so are my co-students who inspire, support and challenge me to truly excel. The community of like-minded artists is priceless. Graduating from is program has made it possible for me to advance my teaching career. I am now full-time faculty at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.”

Diane Sammett, Class of 2009
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

“The Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program at the Hartford Art School allows illustrators the ability to work on projects that can define their careers with the support of amazingly talented, professional peers, under the guidance of giants of our field with the support of a University that is both innovative and dedicated to illustration.”

Durwin Talon, Class of 2008
Savannah, GA

“After working for 30 years in the design and illustration industry I had hit a wall. I thought I was only earning my MFA through the Low Residency Program at the Hartford Art School in order to receive the degree I needed to teach. However, I received more than I ever expected. I’ve formed a partnership with peers that has simultaneously humbled and empowered me. I’ve made helpful connections to noteworthy illustrators whose diverse presentations about their lives and work, their failures and successes, encouraged me to exchange my rose-colored glasses for a clear view of the challenges ahead. I’ve blown the dust off of my pencils and brushes to explore fresh, innovative expressions with old, familiar tools. I’ve discovered value and enjoyment in an artistic style that I had, at one time, considered trivial and aimless. Perhaps most unexpected, I’ve gained recognition and respect from colleagues, business associates and academic circles.”

Edward Tuttle, Class of 2010
Waterbury, CT

“The techniques and methods I learned from the instructors in the Hartford Art School Low Residency MFA in Illustration program have proven to be invaluable. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t recall some powerful nugget of information that makes my classes more meaningful, insightful and knowledgeable.”

Erik William Evans, Class of 2012
San Carlos, CA

“I have been teaching college level graphic design and illustration, for many years. One of my goals since enrolling in the Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program at the Hartford Art School, was to be challenged and inspired as a professional, as well as to sharpen my teaching skills. I have learned so much through this unique program. It is truly an awesome experience to be taught and lectured by some of the best illustrators in the business. Most of all, I truly feel I have become a better teacher and re-charged creatively as a professional, working on projects that I would not have done on my own.”

Jack Tom, Class of 2011
Bridgeport, CT

“The Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program at Hartford far exceeded my expectations. The teachers and students inspire. I am grateful for the insight of Murray Tinkelman, and the care of Carol Tinkelman, for putting such a program together. It is not only a teaching vehicle, but a community of artists sharing their work, their lives, and their dreams.”

Jim Balkovek, Class of 2012
Hagerstown, IN

“I must say that my experience at Hartford was everything it was promised to be and more ... much, much more. The instructors were superb, the faculty presentations were enlightening and my fellow students were all incredible and supportive. I can't wait to spread the word about this program. Only Murray and Carol could have pulled this off at this level of excellence. I can't wait to see what's next.”

Jim Cohen, Class of 2007
Hawthorn Woods, IL

“When I was accepted into the Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program at the Hartford Art School, I didn't expect it to change my life as dramatically as it has. Being surrounded by illustration’s best talents has been a moving experience...I'm glad to be considered a shared part of that experience. When you first meet Murray and Carol, you can't help but notice the twinkle in their eyes and the entire program has been pure magic ever since. This program, these moments...are truly a special time. I can't believe I am witness as well as a part of it. I will always be grateful for this opportunity.”

Jime Alena Grabowski, Class of 2009
Susquehanna, PA

“Illustration guru Murray Tinkelman + seeing the top illustration talent around the country + working with outstanding illustrators in the classroom + motivated and talented fellow students + Hartford Art School facilities = an MFA program for working illustrators with NO EQUAL!”

Pam McAdoo, Class of 2007
Truckee, CA

“Through the Illustration MFA at the Hartford Art School my confidence and skill in being a successful illustrator has increased. The program also helped me develop invaluable contacts in the illustration world and the friends I have found have been a great source of strength and support.”

Barclay Tucker, Class of 2007
Lyndonville, VT

“Completing the University of Hartford Low Residency MFA in Illustration program has had a significant effect not only on my development as an illustrator but also on my role as an art educator. The program has helped me to expand my own artwork into new areas and has improved my ability to effectively articulate and express my ideas visually. As the instructor of the Advanced Placement Studio Art program at a rigorous high school, I am required to offer a college level curriculum that addresses technical skill development and creative problem solving. My students watched with sincere interest and respect as I worked my way through my masters program, improved and diversified my portfolio and expanded my thinking regarding my approach to image making. The students appreciate the fact that I am a practicing artist who understands the challenges they face in the creation of their own portfolios. They have also benefited from being exposed to the artwork and ideas of fellow illustrators in my program. I have also come to realize that I am a more effective and focused art educator when I am also pursuing my professional life as an illustrator. Through my association with the other Illustrator/Educators in the Hartford program, I have developed a better understanding of the deeply rooted connection between my life as an artist and my dedication and passion for my role as a teacher of the arts.”

Kathleen Harte Gilsenan, Class of 2010
Millburn, NJ

“I'd like to thank the Hartford Art School, University of Hartford for making it possible *finally* for a working professional to have a shot at studio art's terminal degree, the MFA. This is an academic opportunity that is sorely lacking (and sorely missed) throughout virtually all U.S. college and university level art programs, and it provides a much needed opportunity for artist professionals (some who have years of experience in their fields) to add appropriate academic credentials to their credentials of professional practice while continuing with their careers.

Kudos to the Hartford Art School for making this program a reality.”

Ken Smith, Class of 2007
Greenback, TN

“I’ve been a working professional for some 26 years. I have been associated with many art groups, both professional and educational throughout that time, but was always left wanting. My association with the University of Hartford through the Low Residency MFA in Illustration program has both challenged me as a professional and fostered a camaraderie and friendship with serious working professionals, that have grown into deep friendships which will endure for the rest of my life. I have truly found a place of inspiration and fulfillment here at Hartford.”

Mike Wimmer, Class of 2009
Oklahoma City, OK

“I was not only inspired by fellow students and faculty in the Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program at the Hartford Art School, but by what we learned and how we learned. The core faculty at Hartford is so professional and accomplished. Alice A. “Bunny” Carter magically coaxed new work out of us and sometimes away from us for our own good while demonstrating over and over again our direct teaching lineage to Howard Pyle. Ted and Betsy Lewin are not only fabulously talented but also testify to the collaborative spirit. We could not get enough of them. Jim Carson recharged our business acumen with new information, new ways of thinking about illustration and marketing. Murray Tinkelman showed us how the History of Illustration can be such a great resource for our illustration.

Murray teaches by inspiration. Is there a better way? His passion for illustration is contagious and in some mysterious way exposure to him helps you to be a better teacher and artist. He keeps the flow going by surrounding himself with other illustrators and teachers who share his passion.

Carol effortlessly (apparently) holds everything together. She operates way beyond the scope of her job description. This program is like joining a huge Conga line. You join on and join in not knowing where it will take you but you wind up in a better place, with a terminal degree to boot!! I feel so fortunate to have had my life touched by Murray and Carol Tinkelman, both academically and personally. There are not enough words.

We all feel alive with illustration that is taking us (literally) to new places. Thanks for the ride!”

Linda Warner-Constantino, Class of 2007
Hilton Head Island, SC

“The MFA in Illustration program at the Hartford Art School has brought some of the best illustrators from around the country together to push and challenge their students to be the best they can be. Murray’s program offers the best in overall quality and flexibility for working artist and illustrators. I could have never obtained my MFA if it wasn’t for this program… and what a program!”

Josh Brunet, Class of 2011
Oakfield, TN


“Traveling to various illustration mecas and meeting the professionals that I’ve admired since the beginning of my career is an experience that I would never have had without the Hartford Illustration MFA program. No matter where you are in your illustration career, you haven’t come as far as you can until you’ve been through this program.”

Ron Spears, Class of 2009
Reno, NV

“I selected the Hartford Art School Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program for my graduate studies for two fundamental reasons … I would need a masters degree in order to achieve my career goals of teaching and I wanted a program that could help me achieve a personal goal of artistic development. Halfway into the program, one of my goals sprang into full form. I began teaching in a classroom setting. Having met a primary career goal, I couldn’t be more delighted with the change that teaching has brought to my life.

My goal of artistic development was closer to heart. I could have enrolled in a program focused on graphic design, but this thought seemed stale to me. I wanted to stretch and grow – to develop my illustrative abilities and put my art out in the world. I didn’t know if, or how, I could do this. And certainly not, if left to my own devices. The program content and faculty at HAS seemed the perfect crucible for change. The thought of being an illustrator - an artist rather than designer - wouldn’t leave me. Enrolling at HAS felt like an appropriate risk and was exhilarating to me. Serious metamorphosis could happen within two short years, or I could fall flat on my face. I did both. At HAS I faced all sorts of demons, both real and imaginary, but one has to try a lot of things and occasionally fail in order to make the next discovery. Although it’s scary and risky and hard while you’re still conducting a professional life, it’s important to set aside personal R&D time to see where failure takes you. It’s through mistakes that you actually grow. Today I can say I’ve made good progress. I’ve enjoyed the process and the opportunity to make something more of my life and myself through HAS. The knowledge gained has been invigorating and practical, all the while delivering more. Not only did the HAS program provide an opportunity for professional growth, it gave me the opportunity to BE an illustrator while sharing in the company and experience of seasoned professionals. This was truly exceptional. I’ve walked the path and soared with the eagles.”

Mardi Speth, Class of 2009
Huntington Beach, CA

“I looked for years for the right MFA in Illustration opportunity. The moment I found this program I knew it was the right fit for me. This one has it all! Hall of Fame guest speakers, top shelf instructors, challenging projects, inspiring studio and museum visits, and to top it off, we get to travel. It’s hard to imagine a program better than this. Throw in spectacular networking opportunities, a generous dose of fun and a couple dozen new art buddies, and you have what I would consider the premier Illustration MFA offering in the country for a working professional.”

Greg Newbold, Class of 2009
Salt Lake City, UT

“The Harford MFA in Illustration Program was a big influence in making the following happen! I have launched multiple creator-owned publishing projects and have also gathered licenses for trading cards and other projects. Very exciting time! In addition, I finally launched my MFA thesis creation, "Phazer" at the New York Comic Con.”

Mariano Nicieca, Class of 2008
Ewing, NJ

“The Low Residency MFA in Illustration has come along at just the right time in my career. My classmates are successful artists and educators and I am enriched by just being around them, working with them and benefiting from the incredible critiques. The faculty are all award winning illustrators, and I'm thankful they are willing to share their knowledge and gifts with us.”

Maureen O’Brien, Class of 2012
Franklin, TN

“This MFA in Illustration program affords each student the opportunity to further their education, think broader about art and creating art, and encourages them to dig deeper. This program offered me an opportunity to revive, reset, and restart my career.”

Michael Cooley, Class of 2011
Worthington, OH

“This Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program is ideal for someone like me, looking to interact with established illustrators as both peers and mentors. The level of mutual respect between faculty, guest presenters and fellow classmates has resulted in the best critiques that I have ever had. This program has gotten me to think beyond my own creative limits and has opened up a whole world of professional connections and applications.”

Mike Fay, Class of 2012
Fredricksburg, VA

“As a teacher, the Hartford MFA in Illustration equipped me for a job-change that I hadn't expected. I moved from teaching middle school art to teaching high school computer graphics. Many of the tools and tricks I learned from Nancy Stahl and Jean Tuttle have come into play as I teach Photoshop and Illustrator. As an illustrator, the Hartford program pushed me to new levels of design and discipline, preparing me to pursue new lines of personal illustration work.”

Mollie Bozarth, Class of 2010
Naperville, IL

“Some of the best things about the MFA in Illustration Program at the Hartford Art School aside from Murray and Carol Tinkelman are the incredible faculty, the guest artists, the rigor and challenge of Master's level thesis work, and the amazingly talented professionals I get to call fellow students. Then there is the travel to places far and wide.”

Peg Nocciolino, Class of 2011
Binghamton, NY

“What did the Low Residency Hartford Art School MFA in Illustration program do for me? Hartford gave me permission to be myself. Hartford is personally focused and continually pushes you back on yourself. What do you think about this idea? What was your impression of this speaker? What would you do to take this illustration further? What topic would you like to work with? How do you plan on marketing this body of work? How do you define success? What is your path?

I started my illustration education with the hope that I might hone some of my skills, make some new friends, and essentially to tweak what was in place. I had no idea of the caliber of students and faculty that I was to encounter. I had no idea of the personal change I was to experience through my studies and work in illustration. The first two weeks of the program were wrenching—forcing me out of the status quo and into a place where I could succeed. I had to find and forge a style and I had to come to grips with the fact that I was now a content provider and not an orchestrator. I was switching channels from Design to Illustration, and switching them hard and fast. But, I believe, the greater the risk, the greater the payback. My graduate work in illustration is a testament to taking this chance. It is not a program for those looking for direction from others, but for mentoring and guidance so that you can begin to answer some questions and ask others.”

Q. Cassetti, Class of 2009
Trumansburg, NY

“I entered the Hartford Art School Low Residency MFA program with over twenty years of experience in the comic book field. I can say without reservation that my decision to return to graduate school was the best decision of my professional career. I entered as a digital dinosaur and a guy wondering what the heck happened to my field. I graduated ‘fully digitized’ with a complete understanding of how the illustration field, including comics, has changed and what I need to do to remain competitive.”

Randy Elliott, Class of 2010
Auburn, NY

“Illustrators are an extremely independent lot by nature, and we need space and flexibility in order to be at our most creative. At the same time, we need deadlines, instruction, camaraderie, and accountability, in order to make sure that we are pushing our careers in the directions that we want them to go. The Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program at Hartford achieves this balance perfectly. I was excited to work on my thesis project, which pushed me into uncharted waters, and I was extremely happy to be able to earn my terminal degree, which enabled me to receive a fulltime position continue teaching at the collegiate level. Murray and Carol have put together an ideal program with ideal instructors, and I can't imagine anyone doing it better.”

Scott Anderson, Class of 2007
Santa Barbara, CA

“I walked out of the program feeling empowered with a new vision of who I was as an illustrator and artist and where I wanted to go. Already being an illustrator for nearly 15 years before I started this program, the program reinvigorated me and made everything fresh and new again. I saw all the new possibilities of what I can do and where I can go. The faculty, are some of the best illustrators in the world and working side by side with them was invaluable to me not just in being an artist but also in running my business. If you have gotten to that part of your career where you need a jumpstart and a new direction, I couldn’t imagine any other program that could make this happen.”

Scott Bakal, Class of 2007
West Roxbury, MA

“If Murray is the heart of the program, then Carol is the beat. What a great team they are! It's a challenging and rewarding program that's adding new life to my art.”

Susan Brereton, Class of 2007
Simsbury, CT

“The MFA Illustration Program at the University of Hartford is more than just getting a degree. It has been the perfect environment for me to immerse myself into an academic community that fosters camaraderie and the redeeming benefit of peer collaboration.

The program has excelled in providing exceptional instructors, advisors and professional role models who represent marketplace standards of excellence.

Finally, the program has successfully bridged the realities of doing art, life, and business in a way that brings hope and a vision for the future with illustration.”

Ron Mazellan, Class of 2008
Marion, IN

“What I learned at Hartford changed the way I thought about some of my syllabi, what I taught, how I taught and when I should teach it. The collaboration with the faculty of Hartford as well as my fellow graduates helped me discover ways that I could change how I teach and what I teach. As the illustration industry changes, along with our clients needs, it behooves me as an educator to prepare my students with the means to succeed. What I have learned through my studies at Hartford have helped me see areas that I need to strengthen in myself as well as my students. The graduate program at Hartford means to me, a jump start on my illustration career, and an enhancement of my education career. What I expected from the program was to complete my education of illustration and come out of the program with the knowledge I felt I needed to be a successful illustrator. But just in my first week I received more of an education as an educator, and I realize that it was what I really needed to have, to make me successful. I really believe that if you are open to learning, what you need, is what you will get from your experience in the Low Residency MFA in Illustration Program.”

Suzy Gerhart, Class of 2012
Springville, UT

“Hartford’s MFA in Illustration Program has been very beneficial to me in my teaching career. I’ve learned techniques and exercises that I share with my students no matter what discipline they are studying. Career-wise, Hartford’s program has been a blessing. It not only has helped me become a better illustrator, but I’ve developed friendships that will last a lifetime. This program has given me more confidence to explore who and what I am when it comes to illustration. Don’t be afraid to explore, experiment and most of all, do what you love."

Tom Galmarini, Class of 2011
Summerville, SC

“After being a designer and illustrator for 22 years I saw the field of illustration changing rapidly as publications started dying and the Internet began taking off. I knew I needed to explore my options in order to remain viable as an artist, so I started researching graduate programs that would recognize where illustration had been and where it was heading. I chose the Low Residency MFA Program at Hartford Art School because it offered incredible teachers who had been my illustration idols, and a flexible schedule that suited my professional life. I also loved the idea of traveling to vibrant cities to witness the flourishing careers of other illustrators, publishers and design firms. The big bonus comes from spending time with peers of all ages, who match my passion for art, expose me to new illustration techniques, and introduce me to secret tricks on the computer! The program has re-energized my work, and me and I'm grateful to have chosen Hartford because it's a perfect fit for my needs.”

Ursula Roma, Class of 2011
Cincinnati, OH

“The artistic caliber of my fellow students is so high, that it’s impossible to not be inspired to push myself to the best I possibly can be. Just two sessions in, and I can already feel my mind and artistic abilities expanding. You will learn almost as much from your fellow students as you will from your world-class instructors. This program has taught me how to think critically about projects, and has re-ignited my ability to think outside the box.”

Aja Wells, Class of 2012
Arcata, CA


“This MFA has re-ignited my creativity and passion for illustration. It provides a great environment in a community of artists that aspire to personal excellence. It's a phenomenal program with a very high caliber of faculty and students, a great environment in which to grow and be challenged – I consider myself privileged to be a part of it.”

Daniel Swartz, Class of 2011
Marion, IN

“After starting the University of Hartford MFA in Illustration program I finally had a feeling that "I am at the right place at the right time.” The body of participating students was of an exceptional quality, and the faculty and Illustration presenters were amazing. For two weeks I took notes non-stop, for future reference in my work. What I learned in the first week, I immediately plugged into my illustration assignment and the art director was very pleased with the result. I feel that I became a member of a large family, a professional network I can tap into whenever the need arises for help, advice or encouragement.”

Inga Poslitur, Class of 2012
Brooklyn, NY

“The Hartford MFA program was more stimulating than I expected, and my expectations were extremely high, with Murray Tinkelman as Director. Murray brings in the absolute best artists to teach material that they are actively and most successfully producing themselves in the industry, and attracts the most extraordinary students. With such grand teachers and classmates, the level of professionalism was stellar, and the momentum was charged. The assignments involved were brilliantly conceived and geared towards a practical and effective launch as an entrepreneur into the real world. Being in the program, however, is like visiting Mount Olympus, with all present, and Tinkelman is Zeus.”

Ted Michalowski, Class of 2007
Scranton, PA

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