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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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 here
News & Events
News
April 05, 2018
Dulcee Boehm wants to have her art practice bring geographic diversity to the field of contemporary art.
April 04, 2018
Gustavo Rondón Córdova is an editor and director, known for La familia (2017), Nostalgia (2012) and ¿Qué importa cuánto duran las pilas? (2005).
April 03, 2018
The award honors honors a faculty or staff person on Grand Valley State University's campus who has been a long-time advocate of women, women's issues, and the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program.
Multimedia Artist Christine Shallenberg to visit GVSU
April 01, 2018
Shallenberg is a multimedia artist whose work ranges in scale from performative physical encounters to mediated light and sound installations to participatory choreography for audience.
Events
BFA Senior Exhibitions by students Megan Galvin, TJ Mathieu, and Morgan Hayden
April 20, 2018 All Day
EMERGE: Illustration BFA Show
April 20, 2018 All Day
FRACTAL - Photography Senior Thesis Exhibition
April 20, 2018 All Day
BFA Senior Exhibitions by students Megan Galvin, TJ Mathieu, and Morgan Hayden
April 21, 2018 All Day
EMERGE: Illustration BFA Show
April 21, 2018 All Day
FRACTAL - Photography Senior Thesis Exhibition
April 21, 2018 All Day
Why 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.
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)
Acquire unique skills
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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.
Learn from active professionals
All students benefit from working with faculty who are professionally active in the scholarly and creative communities. The questions and ideas that fuel the faculty’s research translate into enthusiasm for their teaching material, and an diversity in current practices.
Visual and Media Arts Faculty
Learn in great facilities
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.
See our facilities
Strong Liberal Education Focus
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.
The West Michigan University
Located in the Allendale campus, the Department sits three hours away from both Chicago and Detroit. Close proximity to these centers allows for class and department sponsored trips so students can take advantage of special exhibitions and studio visits with professionals. Moreover, students are connected to the large creative community in Grand Rapids.
Plan a visit
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