Discover Your Potential
An education in the arts lies between the practices of making, intellectual reflection, and an understanding of the relationship between visual media and society. At Grand Valley State University, the Department of Visual and Media Arts encourages majors to explore and develop their individual sense of place as human beings in relationship to the world around them. The degree programs integrate the values of a liberal education while preparing graduates for intensive engagement with the production and examination of the visual arts.
Find Your Voice
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News & Events
News
July 30, 2018
Since 1994, the Summer Film Project has provided students with the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals.
July 23, 2018
Alum creates an electronic device that sends a color-encoded message based on the strength of the user's grip
July 18, 2018
The two students travelled to Tennessee to practice steam-bending techniques and hollow-form sculpting
Jordan Hartz - Creating art in Berkley
July 12, 2018
Grand Rapids artist brings chalk artwork to downtown Berkley
Attend an Open House & Tour
Immediately following the conclusion of the Laker Experience Days (fall and winter semesters), from 1-3pm, we invite you to visit us. You will know exactly how it feels like to be a student in our department, and learn everything that an education in the Arts has to offer. If you are interested in a career in Art and Design, Photography, or Film and Video Production, you're in for an afternoon of great advice and creative activities. You will meet with students, faculty and alumni to discuss the major and learn about future career options.
Register to attend an Open House
6 reasons to study Visual and Media Arts at GVSU
More than 25,000 students have chosen to study at Grand Valley, making us one of the largest universities in Michigan. We're big enough to have the impact of a major university and small enough to give you the support and resources you need to move forward and succeed. Read below why an arts education at GVSU will prepare you to succeed after graduation.
1. You will find your voice
We support you during your exciting and challenging transition from learning in the classroom to learning in personal and professional worlds. Students are introduced to many avenues for their creative practice and develop the required skills to succeed in their field. Watch the video above that illustrates what the Department has to offer.
(Shot and edited by alum, Nick Beardslee, Film & Video Production, 2017)
2. You will be a part of the #LakerEffect
Students in the Department of Visual and Media Arts not only will hone their creative and critical thinking skills but also will have the opportunity to engage with the university community in a variety of ways beyond their major. Please see the video of alumna Kaitlyn Allison sharing her story at GVSU.
3. You will acquire unique skills
Graduates of the Visual and Media Arts program possess knowledge, experience, and unique skills that are highly desirable and transferable, enabling them to seek employment in career fields both within and outside of the fine arts. Art degrees can lead to future work opportunities in a gallery, non-profit cultural organization, or museum.
4. You can apply for scholarships
Scholarships help ensure that the best and brightest students can access a Grand Valley education and enrich our campus, regardless of their socioeconomic situation. They are a great resource to help reduce your reliance on student loans. Grand Valley has a wide variety of scholarships available to new and returning students.
List of Scholarships for Visual and Media Arts Students
5. You will learn in great facilities
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From a fully maintained woodshop to a Digital Fabrication Lab, the Department of Visual and Media Arts is housed in two buildings on campus equipped with the facilities and support staff necessary for researching, creating, and displaying student’s new work.
More info on our facilities
6. You will pursue a Strong Liberal Arts education
Grand Valley's liberal education focus prepares students for life in a fast-changing world. It fosters a commitment to economic, social, and environmental sustainability and an inclusive campus that values diversity. Through this forward-thinking education, students are empowered to positively affect the global community now and in the future.
Student works
Additional Information
Support
Your gift to the Department of Visual and Media Arts is directly applied towards our students' success. Donations help support scholarships and exhibition awards. Please consider making a donation to the Department today.
The Department of Visual and Media Arts belongs to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Website