George Mason University's School of Art offers a combination of academic excellence, supportive community, industry connections, and cutting-edge resources that create a dynamic learning environment for students pursuing an Art or Design degree.
The university's commitment to academic excellence ensures that students receive a well-rounded education and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the competitive field of art and design. Our faculty are not only teaching in the classroom but are working professionals in their own right.
Students benefit from a collaborative and supportive learning environment. The School of Art fosters a sense of community, encouraging students to engage with their peers, faculty, and industry professionals. An example of the ingenuity of George Mason art students is the Murals at Mason project. What began as a student organization, the “Mural Brigade,” the Murals at Mason project is an experiential learning program that teaches artists how to plan, design, and paint murals for on- and off-campus clients.
From the Visual Voices Series to the Artist-in-Residence, Navigation Press, and Dynamic Publishing programs, George Mason School of Art offers a myriad of opportunities for students to work and learn from visiting artists across all disciplines. Aimée Beaubien is an artist living and working in Chicago and was a Fall 2023 Visual Voices speaker.
The Art and Design building, completed in 2009, is a $25 million, 88,000-square-foot, award-winning facility, which nearly doubled the amount of space dedicated to studios, shops, and lecture classrooms, and expanded gallery and exhibition preparation facilities. From painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture studios to photography and computer labs, and even an outdoor green studio, School of Art's facilities provide a rich and collaborative backdrop for students to learn their craft.
Situated in the vibrant and culturally diverse region of Northern Virginia, George Mason University offers proximity to museums, galleries, art festivals, and other artistic events. Students have the opportunity to engage with the local arts community, gaining exposure to a wide range of artistic expressions and networking opportunities.