subject: is a traveling exhibition and event series featuring juried work by recent Masters of Fine Arts graduates from the Northwest. Organizer MFA:NW's goal is to connect diverse rural communities and arts ecologies with these early career artists, creating opportunities for connection, conversation, and growth. 

subject: features rising Northwest artists: Sarah Barnett, Erin Bodfish, Olivia DelGandio, Ansley Gwin, Alyse-Ambriel Hanna, Gili Rappaport, Tyler Stoll, Daniel Sundberg

MFA:NW Mission

MFA:NW increases arts presence in underserved communities and supports recently graduated northwest artists in establishing sustainable careers. Our exhibitions provide opportunities for engagement between emerging artists and rural communities. Our goal is to nurture artistic talent and the diverse arts ecologies of the northwest through free-to the-public exhibitions, community engagement initiatives designed to enable an exchange of ideas, and peer networking. 

By bringing emerging artists to underserved communities, MFA:NW fosters northwest connections, stimulating economic growth, education, and a sense of place. We focus on regions that lack robust arts infrastructure and which can benefit from increased artistic vitality, tourism, and community engagement. Research affirms the positive impact of arts initiatives on building social cohesion, economic development, and educational outcomes. MFA:NW isn't just about temporary exhibits; it's about establishing lasting relationships between artists and these communities, which can lead to sustained growth and resilience. 

For artists, the years following graduation are critical, which is why MFA:NW offers coaching and individualized feedback for applicants and a support system for selected artists. Through mentorship, participants build presentation and communication skills, professionally developing the experience needed to thrive in the art world without having to leave the region.