UCR MFA 2008 represents the second graduating class from the recently established Master of Fine Arts program in UCR’s Department of Art. They will join a select company of graduates from art departments and private art schools in Southern California, a region that has become known for transforming its artists into major players on the international art scene. The four graduating artists include Nicole Belle (photography), Mauricio Espinosa (sculpture), Greg Kozaki (painting), and Lee Thompson (photography). Among the Art Department’s distinguished faculty are Uta Barth (Emeritus Professor in 2008), John Divola, Jill Giegerich, Jim Isermann, Charles Long, Erika Suderburg, Melissa Thorne and Amir Zaki.