Today Oregon College of Art and Craft (OCAC) has announced it is launching a Master of Fine Arts degree in Craft in the fall of 2013. According to the press release the program, "emphasizes problem solving through the manipulation of materials and the vigorous exchange across disciplines and media." Ok, these days Portland art schools seem to be launching new programs all of the time but this one seems absolutely core to a school like OCAC. In other words, they needed to do this and do it well. It should be a signature program for Portland's most focused/specialized art school.

More details, "With its expansive and versatile approach, the College has designed this MFA as an intellectual investigation of process, purpose, and communication distinguished by its methodology as much as its outcome. The 60 credit program in Advanced Craft Studies combines courses in studio creative practice, interdisciplinary studies, graduate seminars, and electives.

'This new program is the natural outgrowth of OCAC’s long tradition of educating entrepreneurial, critical thinkers and creative makers who innovate through engagement with materials. Craft in the twenty first century, the tradition of what it has been and the innovation of what it will be in the future, is the essential focus of this new degree,' said Denise Mullen, OCAC President. 'The MFA in Craft allows us to grow our programming to a new level, and to enhance our core mission at OCAC of educating professionals at the highest level of object and image making.'" Those interested as MFA candidates should join the contact list at www.ocac.edu/MFA to receive announcements about the new program.

There is a new Kieth Haring retrospective at the Brooklyn Museum. I've never been able to decide if he is underrated or overrated so this is probably way overdue.

The Brits get things right for a revitalized transportation hub at Kings Cross. Why doesn't Portland pay closer attention to its transporttation nodes as a way to showcase itself?

Portland Architecture rounds up a group of recent architectural awards for Portland designers.