The Applied Craft and Design program is not admitting new students for the 2023/2024 academic year.
Program Description
MFA in Applied Craft + Design
The MFA in Applied Craft and Design (AC+D) program welcomes creative entrepreneurs and makers who investigate materials through design thinking and a focus on craft.
The program is designed for students with advanced making skills from various creative backgrounds. With an emphasis on defining a unique perspective, the AC+D curriculum focuses on all aspects of creative practice, from conceptual thinking, to technical skills, to running a business. By combining one-on-one mentorship with an exceptional lecture series and studio visits with regional makers and entrepreneurs, students get a look behind the scenes at what it takes to be a maker and run their own business.
As they work to create and circulate their work, makers in this program are asked to consider their responsibility to the larger world around them. AC+D students question their work’s sustainability, utility, and understand that they, as makers, are creating culture. Students gain skills, a professional network, and leave with the ability to make a unique contribution to their field.
Learn more about the program
See All Program News
2023 National Portfolio Day Hosted at PNCA
Launch your future in art and design! Visit with counselors, admissions team members, and faculty from art and design schools for a portfolio review before applying to colleges or universities.
The Evolving Hand
Join PNCA's MFA Applied Craft + Design Chair Sara Huston, faculty member and mentor Abbie Miller and artist and craftswoman Annica Cuppetelli in conversation as they delve into their individual use of both hand work and machine techniques, and share their research on the various layers of production and information that are intertwined with objects, processes, and materials, as well as their need to evolve, adapt, and establish craft in relationship to making and industry. The event will take place with Miller’s ongoing exhibition as a backdrop for the talk.
October 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm PDT
At GMA Architects - 240 N Broadway, Unit 203 Portland, OR 97227
PNCA Graduate Symposium: Art + Social Consciousness
PNCA welcomes the Portland community to participate in this year’s Graduate Symposium with keynote speakers featuring: Nina Elder + vanessa german!
Amanda Ross-Ho and Catherine Taft, in conversation, hosted by PNCA & ILY2
The Hallie Ford School of Graduate Studies, in collaboration with ILY2, is pleased to announce a conversation between artist Amanda Ross-Ho and writer and curator Catherine Taft.
MFA Open Studios: November 2nd + 18th
The Hallie Ford School of Graduate Studies welcomes the Portland community to see what our MFA students have been making!
Student Work
I was especially drawn to the program's focus on "thinking through making" as I've always been able to think best when I'm making things.
Program Highlight
Design Build
Every fall the AC+D program offers a community focused engagement project called the Design Build. Past community clients have included, the Black Education Achievement Movement, Urban Leauge, VOZ Workers' Rights Education Project, Escuela Viva Community School, Outgrowing Hunger, Albertina Kerr's Port City Project Grow Initiative and the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center. From day one, incoming students learn to center a values based practice, develop effective communication and gain familiarity with studio workshops and tools to establish a strong foundation for the rest of their graduate experience.
Get in Touch
Get in touch with Graduate Admissions pnca-grad-admissions-info@willamette.edu to schedule a tour or to learn more about our Programs.
Email Request Info