Welcome to the School of Art
Dear School of Art Community,
Welcome to the spring semester at the School of Art! As we begin 2025, I want to express my gratitude to each of you—students, faculty, staff, colleagues, and supporters of the arts at George Mason University. It's your energy, commitment, and creativity that make our community shine.
Our fall semester welcomed two key additions to our community: Kate Keeney as Academic Advisor, who has enhanced our student support and academic planning, and Britney Ordonez Lavine as Photolab Manager, who has expanded our technical resources and digital imaging capabilities. This spring, we are excited to welcome three new members: Laura Vel as our Administrative Assistant, and Brian Davis and John von Bergen as Assistant Professors in Sculpture. Laura brings valuable experience in organizational support and community engagement, while Brian and John each offer distinct approaches to contemporary sculpture and its expanded field, enriching our program's offerings.
This academic year presents us with profound opportunities to engage with the power of art as a catalyst for dialogue, understanding, and change. In times of significant social and political transformation, our role as artists, designers, and educators becomes ever more vital. From our teaching studios at George Mason to our alumni, faculty, and staff making impact nationally and internationally, our creative practices strengthen and enrich our communities through thoughtful engagement and creative inquiry across art, design, research, and pedagogy. Our work embodies George Mason University's core values of Openness, Global Mindset, Collaboration, and Student Centeredness. These aren't just guiding principles for us—they are the very essence of our work here in the School of Art.
As we navigate the complexities of the coming year, we remain committed to supporting your academic and creative growth and nurturing a culture of collaboration and belonging. Together, we make meaningful contributions not only within our school, but also to the broader world of art and design.
The School of Art is home to three distinct artistic and academic pathways: Art Education, Graphic Design, and Studio Art. Within these programs, you have an opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research or engage in deep study of a particular technique or process. Our program offerings include minors in art and visual technology, arts and social change, graphic design, photography, and web design, and our newest minor in Dynamic Publishing. We also offer Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education, a Master of Arts in Graphic Design, and an MFA in Visual and Performing Arts.
Our distinguished professors are making their impact in the world as artists and educators. Here are some noteworthy faculty updates:
Professor Chawky Frenn completed a Fulbright fellowship in India, delivering lectures on Art as a Voice for Peace at universities across the country and presenting two exhibitions at Banaras Hindu University in December 2024.
Dr. Daniel Barney, Interim Associate Director of the School of Art, exhibited his short film "Misuse a Tool" at London's Freelands Foundation in their exhibition EPILOGUE following his chapter selection for their reading group.
Professor Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz received a Mural Arts/Pew Foundation grant for "Vámonos Pa'l Monte," a collaborative performance project celebrating Puerto Rican identity in Philadelphia.
Professor Gail Scott White and her CVPA colleagues established a partnership with WMATA's Art in Transit Program, resulting in four CVPA students' animations being displayed across six Metro stations throughout the DC metro area in 2024-2025.
Thank you for choosing the School of Art! I encourage you to make the most of your time here—join us at lectures, art openings, and film screenings. Feel free to stop by the Art Office to say hello. I'll be happy to meet you!
With Care and Kindness,