Certificate Programs | Washington Studio School

WSS Certificate Programs

Please contact Milena Spasic with questions about the application process: spasicdcwss@gmail.com

Foundation Program

2 YEARS (if pursued, full-time)

Launched in the Fall of 2018, the WSS FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM is a structured introductory program designed to develop strong, fundamental proficiency in drawing and painting based on direct observation, including the human figure.

The curriculum introduces students to the materials, techniques, language, and concepts of visual art. Students who complete the program are able to translate the observed world with both a sound degree of technical skill and empathic response. By the second year, students will be exposed to a wide variety of traditional and contemporary practices and will begin to see how they each connect to the visual world in their own personal way. The program can stand as an independent course of study or can prepare students for application to the more advanced Master Certificate Program. Hard work and commitment are expected, including work outside of the classroom.

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor to steer her/him through the program and provide feedback.

It is recommended that students begin the program during our Fall Term. WSS accepts applications on a rolling basis. Application is by form, statement, interview, and a non-refundable application fee of $50. A portfolio is not required, but previous work will be looked at if it is available.

Please contact Milena Spasic with questions about the application process: spasicdcwss@gmail.com

Master Certificate

APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS

Washington Studio School’s MASTER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM, designed for serious, advanced students at various stages of life, is an alternative non-degree option to a university MFA program. The Master Certificate Program has been a hallmark of the school’s offerings for over 20 years.

Students who are accepted into the program enter with strong skills and a commitment to the rigor, seriousness of purpose, and the curiosity necessary to the life of an artist. During their time in the program, students deepen their existing skills and begin producing work that is meaningful and personal to them. Work comes from a vocabulary built out of direct observation but can move into abstraction, memory, or imagination. The program involves required classes and coursework at the advanced level and independent time in the studio. Students work with a faculty advisor throughout. The final year of the program is primarily an independent study with a faculty mentor. The goal for each student is to develop sound studio practices, discipline, and independent thinking, representing a level of mastery in the use of visual language and material technique.

The program culminates in a thesis exhibition of work, teaching students how to develop, produce and mount a cohesive and personal body of work. WSS Master Certificate graduates have had successful careers as gallery-affiliated artists and as instructors of drawing and painting.

WSS accepts applications on a rolling basis. Application is by form, statement, portfolio (10 drawings, 5 paintings), recommendations, and a non-refundable application fee ($100).

Please contact Milena Spasic with questions about the application process: spasicdcwss@gmail.com

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Foundation Certificate

Master Certificate

FAQs

What is the Foundation Certificate Program?

This 2-year structured introductory program is meant to develop fundamental proficiency in drawing and painting based on direct observation. The program will provide students with a firm foundation in the materials, techniques, language, concepts and processes of visual art.
What is the Master Certificate Program?

The Master Certificate Program is designed for serious, advanced level students at various stages of life as an alternative to a university MFA program. Students who are accepted into the program enter with strong skills and a commitment to the rigor, seriousness of purpose, and curiosity necessary to the life of an artist. The Master Certificate Program has been a hallmark of the school’s offerings for over 20 years.
Why earn it?

Foundation Certificate: Students who complete the Foundation Certificate will have received a comprehensive, sequential course of study in the basics of visual art, and will emerge being able to see as an artist does and translate that response with assurance, skill and a vocabulary of visual elements and principles. Master Certificate: Students who complete the Master Certificate will emerge with the necessary skill, discipline, curiosity and independence required to maintain a strong studio practice. They will be prepared to go on as professional artists, asking individual questions and producing personal work.
Am I ready?

Foundation Certificate: Anyone willing to make the commitment to the sequential, structured study of the basic foundations of art is ready. There are no prerequisites. Master Certificate: Program Directors and faculty are available to help assess whether you are ready to apply to the Master Certificate program. Strong skills at the intermediate level as well the willingness to put in time both inside and outside of classes helps determine the readiness for the rigor of this program.
What do you look for in a portfolio?

Master Certificate Only: The portfolio should demonstrate skill in seeing visual relationships (shape, value, color, etc.) and how they find form, space, movement, and feeling. Reviewers will look for both depth and breadth in media used and subject matter. Portfolios are expected to portray a high level of proficiency, but with the understanding that it is student work rather than professional level.
Is an interview required?

After reviewing other materials, the Program Directors may schedule a brief interview to further assess applicant’s commitment and compatibility with the program philosophy.
Does Washington Studio School offer student visas or permits for international students?

WSS is a non-accredited non-profit institution. Accordingly, Washington Studio School is unable to offer visas or permits for international students to attend our program.
How long will the program take?

Foundation Certificate: If the recommended sequence and schedule is followed, the program will take two academic years. However, it may be extended up to four years. Master Certificate: The program will take approximately three years. The completion timetable is based on achieving a level of mastery determined by faculty review. Some students take more time to achieve that level than others.
Can I start any time?

Foundation Certificate: It is recommended that students begin this program in the fall to best benefit from the sequential aspect of the three terms (Fall, Winter and Spring). Master Certificate: Applications to the Master Certificate program are on a rolling basis. Students can apply to begin any of the three 10-week terms.
Is financial aid available?

At this time, only very limited scholarship funds and work study opportunities are available. Please visit the Work Study & Scholarships page to learn more.
Who are the instructors?

Faculty at WSS are all practicing artists who are highly trained, experienced instructors. While they all have individual artistic styles and teaching styles, they are chosen to teach at WSS because of an overall shared language and teaching philosophy. This makes it possible to move from instructor to instructor without hearing conflicting lessons. Please visit our Faculty page for more details about our individual faculty members.
Are my classes only with certificate students?

No. Certificate and non-certificate students enjoy classes together. Many strong students do not have schedules that allow them to participate in the certificate programs, yet all students benefit from the combined nature of our classes. Occasionally a class is planned just for Certificate students.
How much time is required outside of class?

Foundation Certificate: Full-time students are expected to put in a minimum of 10 hours per week beyond class time. This includes keeping a sketchbook as well as attending drop-in figure drawing sessions. Master Certificate: Full-time students are expected to put in a minimum of 20 hours per week of independent work in addition to coursework. This includes sketchbook/journal, transcriptions, drop-in figure sessions, and independent studio time.
Can I take classes before committing to a program?

Foundation Certificate: Yes. If you would like to try a class before applying to the program you may. If the review committee feels the work meets standards, the class may be applied to the program requirements. Master Certificate: Almost all applicants to the Master Certificate program have taken classes at WSS before applying to the program. These classes prepare them for the rigors of the Master program and allow them to experience the culture and philosophy of the school, ensuring that it’s a good fit.
Can I take another class in place of a required course?

Our curriculum for both programs is carefully considered to give the most depth and growth possibility to the students’ experience, but we will consider on a case by case basis the substitution of a class for another if there is reason.
May I take a leave of absence? For how long?

Continuity is important in the growth of an artist. Occasionally a student must take a leave of absence from the program for health, family or work matters. We may accommodate a maximum of one year leave. For absences loners than one year, students must reapply to the program.
Will I have an advisor, and what role do they play?

Foundation Certificate: Students will have a faculty advisor who they will meet with three hours per term to discuss progress and recommendations for classes. The first year, advisors may be assigned to students. Thereafter they may choose a faculty advisor to work with. Master Certificate: Students will have a faculty advisor who they meet with three hours per term, with increments to be decided by the student and advisor. Meetings are for the purpose of discussing progress, struggles, artists to look at, and recommended classes. In the first year of study students are assigned advisors, thereafter students select their own advisor. Working with an advisor is a separate aspect of the program from the Independent Study component. Students are expected to maintain a journal of their process and growth and to submit it for review by their advisor at the end of every term. A minimum of two entries per week are expected in a ten week term.
How am I evaluated?

Foundation Certificate: Instructors and advisors will evaluate work based on a set of criteria established to demonstrate understanding of visual language at different levels of learning. Successful candidates will complete all coursework with regular attendance and evidence that they are working outside of class in sketchbooks and open sessions. Master Certificate: The Master Certificate is based on reaching a high level of mastery, rather than the mere completion of a list of classes. Instructors and advisors will evaluate work based on a set of criteria established to demonstrate understanding of visual language at different levels of learning, including the use of visual elements and principles to develop a personal vocabulary for communication. Students meet with their faculty advisor multiple times during the term.
Is there a formal graduation?

There is no formal graduation. There are opportunities for exhibition.
What can I do with the certificate?

Foundation Certificate: Graduates of our Foundation program will have developed a portfolio of work. Master Certificate: Graduates of our Master Certificate program are professional practicing artists who are showing their work in galleries and alternative spaces, and a number are teaching in non-degree visual art schools.