Introducing the University of Connecticut’s MFA Studio Art Class of 2028

Meet UConn’s MFA Studio Art Class of 2028, a diverse group of artists specializing in various mediums and themes.

**McKayla Mae Bensheimer** is a sculptor and printmaker, focusing on figural portraiture that visually narrates contemporary human life. She studied at Herron School of Art and Design and has showcased her work both domestically and internationally.

**Tayebeh (Bahar) Ejtemaei**, an Iranian painter from the University of Guilan, delves into memory and identity through her abstract and figurative artwork, intertwining Eastern and Western cultural influences.

**Kate Greenwell** is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who removes language from its contexts, engaging with symbols and text to reveal hidden messages. Her recent work uses her own body as a canvas for tattoos, presenting a fragmented self-portrait.

**Alex Heard** crafts a world of softness and joy within harsh realities using performance, installation, and wearable art. This alternate universe features plush, animated characters that explore themes of failure, anxiety, and shame.

**Avery Nielsen-Webb**, a photographer, captures the clash between industrial progress and the natural environment. His work reflects influences from Dutch landscape painters and the New Topographics movement, documenting humanity’s evolving relationship with nature.

UConn’s MFA Studio Art program offers a fully funded, three-year multidisciplinary education, positioned in a scenic rural setting ideal for art and exploration. Boasting an esteemed faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, the program culminates with exhibitions at renowned venues. Students benefit from a vibrant artistic community, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and resources such as visiting artist programs, field trips, and exhibition opportunities. Applications are due by January 15, 2026.

For further details, visit [art.uconn.edu](https://bit.ly/3KmONcA).