Student Luciano Corregiano working in her studio on last year’s Dialogue

This July and August, Professor Mira Cantor, School of Art and Design, will be leading a group of students to Ireland for an immersive art studio experience. The Summer II Dialogue, entitled “Art in Ireland,” has a home base in the small town of Ballyvaughn. The students, including three candidates for the MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts, will spend a month living and working in Ballyvaughn with the opportunity to focus on their own self-designed projects in any media.

“The dialogue is truly unique as an immersive experience on the western shore of Ireland because it provides students with the ability to integrate with a culture unlike their own on an intimate level,” explained Mira Cantor. “Most importantly, it provides students with a studio space of their own to use to express this experience in any art medium. Students walk away with major projects that they have completed in animation, drawing, painting, sculpture, earth works, knowledge of Celtic history, the troubles and an in-depth understanding of life in rural Ireland. In one month, students have produced a major body of work for their portfolio and have had an exhibition. This is equivalent to two courses over a semester.”

Students on last year’s Dialogue

As Mira mentioned, students are able to work in a variety of locations, including historic Celtic castles, the Aran Islands, and students’ own private, individual studios. Ultimately, students experience cultural and physical differences that encourage them to push their imaginations and help interpret their experiences in a unique way.

Also in Ireland, Mira Cantor will be exhibiting her new work in the Burren College Art Gallery entitled “On Edge.” Some of the work will be from her recent Boston show, “Inundated,” but there will also be new pieces. On view in August – September 2017.