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Alumna describes the influence of Dean Murry DePillars

This spring, VCU will recognize former VCUarts Dean Murry N. DePillars, Ph.D., by naming the Fine Arts Building on West Broad Street in his honor. As part of an ongoing celebration, we're speaking to alumni, colleagues and artists about his lasting legacy.

Suzanne Gwathmey (BFA ’82) describes how DePillars helped her gain entry to the School of the Arts, and mentored her along the way. "I was just determined not to let him down," she says, "and in turn, I wouldn't let myself down."

Read more in a Q+A with Gwathmey.

2020 MFA thesis virtual exhibition

The 2020 spring MFA Thesis Exhibition was postponed last year because of COVID-19. Now, the annual event being presented online, virtually hosted by Art & Education.

View the exhibition.

New accelerated master's programs to launch in fall 2021

VCUarts is excited to announce the launch of two new accelerated bachelor's-to-master's degree programs, one in art history, and one in fashion and business. The programs enable high-achieving students to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in only five years.

Read more about the programs.

Sound artist Marcus Fischer teaches for Kinetic Imaging

Marcus Fischer, an internationally renowned ambient musician and sound artist, is guest teaching for the Department of Kinetic Imaging this semester. Fischer had two installations and a performance in the 2019 Whitney Biennial. He is teaching virtually from his studio in Portland, Oregon.

Learn more about Fischer in a Q&A conducted by graduate student Brook Vann.

Grant funds research on improv, health care, and homelessness

A team of researchers from the schools of the Arts and Medicine have received a $25,000 grant to study how improvisational techniques can strengthen self-advocacy and problem-solving skills among individuals affected by homelessness, and to reduce the stigma of homelessness among health care practitioners.

Read m ore about the research project.

Performers adapt during the pandemic

Specialized equipment, video conferencing platforms and streaming technology have allowed performers to adapt their on-stage methods and reach a wider audience than they thought possible. While these dancers, actors, stage managers and musicians all look forward to the day they can return to a packed house, they agree that some of their web-based adaptations might be worth keeping.

Find out how performers are reimagining their stage presence.

Save the Date: March 25 alumni event

Get to know VCUarts Dean Carmenita Higginbotham, Ph.D., and join in a conversation with VCUarts alumni about their careers and accomplishments.

More information to follow.

Send us an update

Alumni, do you have news to share? We want to hear it! Share your updates and we might feature you on our website and social media or in Studio, our annual magazine.

Share your news with us.

Virginia Commonwealth University | School of the Arts