Visual Arts Building

Has anyone ever noticed how a building can whisper stories? The Visual Arts Building at Emory University, right here on Peavine Creek Drive, hums with a creative energy. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to Emory’s belief in the power of art. The Visual Arts Building officially opened its doors in March 2005. It wasn’t just a new building. It was a symbol of Emory’s expanding commitment to the arts. Bill Brown, the visual arts program chairman at the time, eloquently stated that buildings are both symbolic and functional. The Visual Arts Building embodies this idea perfectly. It provides a space for students to explore their creativity. The building houses studios for drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and ceramics. There’s even a film editing classroom and a darkroom. This building isn’t just about visual arts, it’s about the very act of creation. Visual arts have been taught at Emory since the late 1960s. Initially, it was an addition to art history courses. Over time, the program grew, eventually offering a minor and then a joint major with art history. The Visual Arts Program might be small, but its impact is significant. Emory has a strong record of its visual arts graduates being accepted into top MFA and film programs across the country. Graduates have gone on to prestigious institutions like the University of Southern California and New York University film schools. Others have pursued architecture at Harvard or continued their studies in art and design at Yale and Rhode Island School of Design. One notable alumnus is Chris Verene, a rising photographer and Whitney Biennial participant. Another, J. Ivcevich, received the prestigious Pollock-Krasner Grant. The Visual Arts Building isn’t just a place for students. It also houses a gallery dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions. The gallery’s mission is to showcase new ideas and works that might not be seen elsewhere in the region. The inaugural exhibition featured the photography of Pat Ward Williams. Her work explores themes of culture, history, and identity. The Visual Arts Building at Emory is more than just a building. It’s a space where creativity flourishes, where students hone their skills, and where the community can engage with thought-provoking art. It stands as a symbol of Emory’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists and fostering a vibrant artistic community.