Major Maps

Certificate of Fine Arts or Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts 

To avoid excess credits at graduation from VCU, complete course recommendations listed below and apply in first year at community college.  The community college ART classes listed under course recommendations will fulfil requirements for the Art Foundation program (the first year of all visual art majors) at VCU.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting and Printmaking is offered within a large, diverse, and vibrant community of artists, scholars, and students. Primary media in the major are painting, drawing, and printmaking. Students are encouraged to use electives in pursuit of other media of interest.

Critical thinking and professional tools are key skills developed in the program through the Junior and Senior Seminar. In these courses, students learn how to write artist statements, a CV, develop a portfolio, curate exhibitions, write press releases and grants, and apply to Master of Fine Arts programs. Contemporary art history and theory are also explored in with access to internationally-recognized visiting artists and curators and visits to local collections.

Internships in the field of contemporary art are strongly encouraged and supply students with valuable experiences with museums, galleries, print studios, publications, and artists. Completion of an internship for credit, with the department chair’s approval, will fulfill the REAL Level 2 requirement for students.

Students build upon their personal practice with an independent body of work completed in Senior Degree Project, in which all seniors have access to a personal studio space. The culmination of the BFA is the Senior Show at the Anderson organized annually by students.

Travel opportunities allow students to expand their education beyond Richmond. Recent trips include an exploration of print culture in Mexico City and an annual trip for seniors to New York City.

Graduates complete the program with a diverse range of skills and experiences preparing them to apply for positions that require knowledge in painting, drawing, printmaking, and contemporary art in general. In the area of printmaking, graduates can find positions with print publishers. Graduates also work for artists as studio assistants. Some graduates will become self employed, making a living from their work as artists, while others will pursue teaching opportunities in K-12 public or private schools or in the field of museum education. Further education is usually necessary to refine skills and professional networks in a very competitive marketplace. Many graduates continue their education in a MFA graduate program, which allows them to develop their talent further and to teach in higher education. Some take jobs in related fields, such as galleries and museums, allowing them to continue their own creative work.