VCUarts-ITW-2009-singlepages

Cover 1/Front Cover

ambition

re asoningrefl ective ne s s

ob s e rvation

cre atiVITY

Inte ll ect

memory fore sight que stioning

se lf e ste em

languageris k ta king

succe s sfailure

wisdom

expression

comparison

individuality

form

de lighT

inve stigation

wit

refin

ement

circumspection

k nowing

frustration

craftsmans hip

unexpectedne s s

curiosITY

constructive criticism

group inte raction stre ngth

repos e

commitme nt

atte ntion to detail

dre ams

expe rime ntation

collaboration

Cover 2/Inside Front Cover

in their words…

humor

wit

mirth

TALENT

SKILL

COMMITMENT

attention

to detail

COLLABORATION

PROGRESS

intuitive, reasoning,

reflective faculties

SENSE OF

THE TERRIFIC

flirtation

time

management

missed deadline

emergency backup reserve

concerts

performances

exhibitions

courage

sleep

call home

eat

idea

development

creative experimentation

VCU basketball

memory

expression

dreams

form

individuality

Arts Honors

study

abroad

mentors

internships

joy

fulfillment

coffee

wearsunscreen

strength

thoughts

of the

beach

const

ructiv

e cr

itici

sm

questions

Belle Isle,

Byrd Theatre,

Richmond’s

charms

2

thirst for

knowledge

VCUarts brain not to scale

STUDENT LIFE AT VCUarts

How can you know what VCUarts is really like until

you’re here? Well… you can’t. But we thought posing

the same 13 questions to students from each VCUarts

undergraduate major might help. These students are

recent recipients of the much-coveted VCUarts Dean's

Scholarship. There are similarities in their responses,

and as to be expected, many differences.

Those who plan to attend VCUarts will find their words

and advice enlightening - and we hope - helpful.

Enjoy.

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CONTENTS

What made you decide to come to VCU? 6

What has impressed you most about your VCUarts experience? 8

Student InterviewsAda Cooke, Art Foundation 10

Lauren Leigh Hall, Art Education 12

Allison Frew, Art History 14

Ian Edwards, Cinema 16

Cara Frye, Communication Arts 18

Meg J. Roberts, Craft/Material Studies 22

Aaron Burr Johnson, Dance & Choreography 24

Nedim Sudic, Fashion Design 28

Rachel Z. Walters, Fashion Design 30

Whitney Ann Stevens, Fashion Merchandising 32

Karla Mickens, Graphic Design 34

Lauren O’Neill, Graphic Design 38

Linda J. Clark, Interior Design 42

Kirk Zamierowski, Kinetic Imaging 44

Melanie Libbey, Music 46

Katherine Duckworth, Painting & Printmaking 48

William Connally, Photography & Film 50

Anne Schermerhorn, Photography & Film 52

Tim Rusterholz, Sculpture + Extended Media 55

Trevor Dawkins, Theatre 56

What do you wish someone had told you before you came to VCU? 58

What advice would you give to a new VCUarts Student? 60

Important VCUarts web sites and contact information 64

VCUarts is ranked the #1 public university arts & design program in the country (US News & World Report, 2009)

For specific department rankings information, visit www.vcu.edu/arts/overview/national_rankings

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What made you decide to come to VCU?

It came down to a choice between VCU and another purely

arts school. In the end I decided I wanted to have the access

to classes, students, and activities that lay outside the arts.

I didn’t want to box myself up, and the broad spectrum of

opportunities around Richmond really appealed to me.

Ada Cooke, Art Foundation

I had heard so much about how excellent the art program was,

and I was really excited to experience it firsthand. Also, most

all other Virginia institutions are too secluded and the campus

environments seem to share a certain aesthetic that I don’t

really care for. The experience of being in a city during college

I think is an awesome thing and really helps you grow up a lot

faster than being secluded off in the middle of nowhere and

only being around college students.

Kirk Zamieroski, Kinetic Imaging

I heard about the new Cinema program and knew previously

about VCU’s reputation. I met with Dean Toscan and was really

impressed with everything, so I decided to come.

Ian Edwards, Cinema

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When applying for college, I chose VCU because of its location

in an urban city relatively close to Washington, DC and the

reputation of the School of the Arts.

Linda J. Clark, Interior Design

VCU is the art education with the most bang for the buck. And

the only school that offers fashion design curriculum in Virginia.

Rachel Z. Walters, Fashion Design

VCU was a clear choice. A hugely impressive art school for the

cost of in-state tuition… pretty compelling.

Meg Roberts, Craft/Material Studies (Metal)

The encouraging vibe that I got when I came to audition at the

Singleton Center made an education at VCU really appealing to me.

Melanie Libbey, Music (Flute Performance Major)

Warm weather, nice people, supportive work environment,

cool little city.

Trevor Dawkins, Theatre

I knew that I wanted to move away from Tennessee and I

knew that I wanted to study art. It is rare that you find a huge

university with such a thriving art community, but that wasn’t

the only thing that brought me here. VCU has such a diverse

campus I think it attracts students who want a different type of

college experience. We truly are an international university. You

can learn Indian dances right here in the Student Commons if

you want to. That’s amazing.

Katherine Duckworth, Painting & Printmaking

It’s so great to be a part of this school as it reaches new heights

and gains recognition across the country. The teachers here

are fantastic, instilling their strong philosophies on the arts and

helping us develop our own beliefs on the subject. In addition,

my family is important to me. Since my triplet sisters are only

eight years old, it’s important that I am still a part of their lives.

I am so fortunate to have VCU in my backyard. Because my

home is only 15 minutes away, I can go home for a school play,

a weekend, or just for dinner. Coming to VCU from the local

area has also provided me with many opportunities in using

resources from friends and family but also showing others all

that Richmond has to offer.

Lauren O’Neill, Graphic Design

I made my final decision to come to VCU because of its

reputation as a leading art school in the nation, and the

opportunity to participate on a Division I track and field program.

Tim Rusterholz, Sculpture + Extended Media

Honestly, VCU was cheaper than the other schools and they

were so great at getting back to me fast. I was looking at VCU

and it had an art program that had interesting projects going on.

It is also relatively warm in winter.

Anne Schermerhorn, Film

I knew that I wanted to go to an art school and VCU was the

best option. It was in state, close to home (not too close), and

had a great reputation. It was a no-brainer.

Aaron Burr Johnson, Dance and Choreography

I was very impressed with the good reputation that VCU School

of the Arts has and that made me decide to enroll and study here.

Nedim Sudic, Fashion Design

The School of Art’s reputation is amazing, and I felt that my art

education here would trump that of the other schools on my

list, in addition to my desire to attend a school in the inner city.

Allison Frew, Art History

I came to VCU because I heard great things about the School of

the Arts, and was impressed with the freedom given to the art

students.

William Connally, Photography

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What has impressed you most about your VCUarts experience?

I’m constantly in awe of the work produced by my fellow

students. The students in VCUarts are very gifted, and I love

being surrounded by such talent. It’s both humbling and

inspiring.


I have been abroad in Australia, working on a film. I am just

now appreciating how high VCU holds its standards and how

much it expects from its students. I feel like the world would

be a better place if everyone could do the same. It lets you feel

like an artist and not hide behind the title of a student artist

(after you get out of Art Foundation of course).


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The teachers at VCU continue to impress me. They come

from all sorts of backgrounds with different philosophies and

experiences. They are inspiring, motivating, and encouraging,

bringing insight and opportunity to students while fostering

curiosity in a dedicated learning environment.


I am really impressed by all of the equipment and facilities we

have access to, not only just in VCUarts, but throughout the

whole university. VCU is like a little city. Everything I need is

right here in the Fine Arts building or the library.

Melanie Libbey, Music (Flute Performance Major)

What has impressed me most about my VCUarts experience

is the Sculpture department’s ability to allow each student to

work towards a variety of individual goals. There is a large range

of work being made in many different mediums and I admire

my instructors for being able to balance everybody’s needs

and develop everybody individually. The work environment and

meshing of styles and work habits is impressive.


My professors have made the largest and best impression

upon me. Nothing is more exciting than attending a class where

the professor is not only interesting, but completely dedicated

to their work. Classes are typically very exciting and informative

and I honestly cannot get enough of it. If I don’t have class to go

to, I get really bored.


I think several elements work in tandem to make VCUarts

impressive. The faculty and the facilities are precisely as they

should be and as we students need them to be. The Richmond

scene is particularly suited to art making. One can wander,

explore, take photos, and find inspiration in a number of places

about town. The Richmond art scene, including the plethora of

galleries from which to choose, and the proximity of the Virginia

Museum of Fine Arts are conducive to learning about art. Also,

the peer group is astonishingly talented.


The overwhelming power of the artist community here in

Richmond has impressed me most. I’ve never experienced a

place that is so open to the arts and so interested. Especially

in spring semester, it seems as though there is a new visiting

artist or performance happening daily, and there’s never a day

left where you can’t experience one art form or another. I feel

that that the more art you experience, the better artist you’ll

become, and I’m extremely impressed with VCUarts’ very

apparent understanding of this.


I think I have been most impressed by the active careers of

my professors! They not only teach all week, but also have

incredible work of their own that they exhibit all over the world!

When you see that your very own professor is succeeding

in the art community, it provides motivation and cultivates a

certain level of respect.


I think that the other students have most impressed me here

at VCU. The creativity and skill level of those around me is

astounding. In my classes, and when I am able to see student

art exhibits, I am so inspired by the progress of my peers.

Lauren Leigh Hall, Art Education

I have been very impressed with the guest artists that VCU

brings to Richmond. While I have been a student, the dance

department has had numerous guest performers and teachers

come from out of state and even abroad. These residencies

enable the students to get an outside perspective on their work,

both technically and choreographically. It helps us see how

things are going to be in the “real world.” Equally informative

are the performances that these guests provide. I’ve had

the chance to see Battleworks Dance Company, The Urban

Bush Women, Monica Bill Barnes, Tania Isaac Dance, Miguel

Gutierrez and the Powerful People, to name a few. As far as

I know, VCU is what brings contemporary dance artists to

Richmond. This is impressive.


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Art Foundation student from Maryland

Ada Cooke

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How has your work progressed since coming to VCU?

Since coming to VCU, I’ve been exposed to many different

styles and types of art – of my peers and of contemporary

artists introduced to me by my teachers – and I feel that this has

had a strong influence on my own work. And I definitely work

faster and with more certainty! I feel much more confident

about my art.

How is your experience different from how you thought it might be?

I thought that going through Art Foundation was going to be

really hard, and, well, it was, but I had a lot more fun than I

thought I would. The atmosphere is really open and relaxing.

It’s hard not to enjoy it.

Is there a faculty member who has particularly inspired you? How so?

Tin Salamunic, the instructor for my Project: Communication

Arts class really impressed me. He has a ridiculously high

work ethic that he was always trying to press onto us. It was

daunting, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. I came

out of that class with a lot of pieces I liked. And from what he

showed us, he has a great body of work, and seems to be really

successful for someone who just graduated. The class drove

me crazy, but once it was over I was really glad for it.

What interests you outside of your arts discipline?

I’m absolutely fascinated by foreign cultures and languages.

In high school I travelled to Japan as part of a student exchange,

and now I’m hoping to spend a summer studying abroad in

Italy. I love European history and can’t wait to see some of it

firsthand. I’m not very proficient in any other languages, but

I’ve dabbled in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Japanese.

Obviously I hope to expand my repertoire to Italian.

If you could go back and do something differently in your life (not

necessarily arts related), what would it be?

For most of my life I’ve been the shy, hesitant one, but since

coming to college I’ve realized that I shouldn’t worry about

what other people think. You need to grab life by the ears –

take hold of all opportunities thrown your way – speak up –

go out and experience things to their fullest. I often wonder

how things would be if I’d always been this spunky person.

What is your favorite memory so far at VCU?

The trip my Art Worlds class took to NYC was probably the

most memorable part of my freshman year. It was a hectic

marathon of trying to see as much art as possible in such a

short time. I wish we could’ve lingered longer, but it was really

fun and I absolutely loved it.

What is your favorite or best project that you’ve contributed to as a student?

It’s really hard to say… I enjoyed most of my Drawing

Studio, especially doing figure drawing, and I also really liked

many of my projects in Surface Research and my Project:

Communication Arts class. I can’t pinpoint it to any exact piece!

What do you want to accomplish before you graduate?

I definitely want to study abroad, particularly in Italy. Once you

have a full-time job, it can be really hard to find the time and

the ability to travel like that. I want to see as much of the world

as I can while I still have the time, and study abroad programs

are the perfect chance for that. I’m also really hoping to fulfill a

global studies minor.

What do you hope to do (work-wise) after you graduate?

I have no idea, I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do right

now! I’m not absolutely set on anything at the moment, just

seeing what opportunities rise and where the road takes me.

ART FOUNDATION PROGRAM | vcu.edu/arts/artfoundation/dept | 804.828.1129

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Lauren Leigh HallArt Education major/Religious Studies minor, from Virginia

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I’ve learned about types of media that I previously had no

experience in. Specifically, I have learned a lot about making

more sculptural art and I have the skills now to make 3-D forms

out of wood, metal, fiber, or other things. I am now also able to

make digital designs using Photoshop or Illustrator programs.

My abilities have progressed far beyond the basics of drawing,

painting, and collage.


When I came to VCU my first intention was to apply for

Communication Arts because I was very confident with

drawing and designing. Once I began to study here and

explored other options, I was very impressed by the other

fields of art. I was even tempted to become a craft major

because of the excellent classes I saw being offered there.

Ultimately, I went into Art Education because of my love for

both art and young people. Conveniently, the Art Ed program

has allowed me to take basic classes in most arts disciplines.


I have had Dr. Burton from the Art Ed department for three

semesters and I am very grateful to him for his insightful

instruction and dedication to forming competent art educators.

Who I am becoming as a teacher has a lot to do with the

instruction I have received from Dr. Burton.


My greatest interests are my study of Art Education and

expanding my own art knowledge, my friends and family, and

most of all learning about and getting to know God. I have other

hobbies and interests such as playing guitar, biking, Scrabble,

and being outdoors, but these all revolve around my main three:

God, people, and art.



I don’t believe that I realized when I was younger that I had

the right to take charge and make a difference in the world.

At that time I was still waiting for adults and leaders to set up

opportunities so that I could take part in them. It never occurred

to me at that time that I could be the catalyst for change and that

I could influence the world in a positive, extravagant way.


I was enamored with the idea of being in the Arts program at

VCU. Also, my sister was in the Graphic Design department at

the time and it felt safe to follow in her shoes.

What do you wish someone had told you before you came to VCU?

Start saving up your money now.


I formed a textile sculpture that I called a “prayer web” in the

window of a Christian fellowship house on campus. The web

was made of many pieces of fabric with individual prayers

written on each one sewn together and attached to the window

space using strings. The intention behind the piece was to

engage students in prayer as a community and it was meant to

illustrate how prayer transforms things. So just as the physical

pieces of fabric changed the appearance of the windows and

covered the space with colored light, so also were the prayers of

the students affecting those around them and making change.


I simply want to make the most of the time that I have here. I just

want to be aware of every opportunity and live each one fully.


I do know that it will involve art and kids and it will be done with

the intent to share God’s love with others.

Art Education – BFA | vcu.edu/arts/arteducation/dept | 804.828.7154

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Allison FrewArt History major/German, History and Anthropology minor,from Virginia

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Since I have started my college career, any progression in my work

I attribute to my researching skills. I have developed a supreme

tolerance to spending countless number of hours pouring over

books and jotting notes about interesting and somewhat relevant

information, whilst combining these two processes to create

something coherent, interesting and informative. I believe this

has improved greatly.


I thought college was suppose to be very difficult and it turns

out that if you just pay attention in class and do your readings

then everything falls neatly into your lap. Most of the time

I feel like college is a walk in the park, and others I feel a bit

overwhelmed. The key to college, and I suppose the rest of

my life, will be time management.


When I took Painting 205, my instructor, Calvin Burton,

critiqued in a nonjudgmental way. Every day we would present

our paintings and critique them. It was a fabulous exercise and

I really looked forward to talking about art and just brushing

up on sincere and constructive communication. It was one

of the greatest challenges of my life but it was also the most

rewarding one I’ve had in college.


Dr. Michael Schreffler has been my advisor since I was a

freshman and no matter how often I doubt myself he has

always reassures me that I have the ability to do whatever

I wish, which is probably a boost of self-confidence that

anyone could use when battling the insecurities tied with

undergraduate work. Several other professors have helped

me realize my potential, such as Dr. Charles Brownell who has

inspired me to perform and learn at only the hardest levels.

Dr. Peggy Lindauer has encouraged me to open my eyes and

be critical of all experiences. Calvin Burton, a former graduate

student in painting, was my painting instructor and not only

did he encourage me to be confident in my opinion, but also to

embrace the world of art history with an eye that can denote

method, skill, and perseverance.



If I wasn’t going into art history I’d go into financial banking and

money management. Few things are more exciting to me than

talking about investing and IRAs. If I had realized sooner, I would

definitely have saved my money from high school and invested

that wisely, and I would probably not be so poor today.


I am very into traveling, photography, painting, art museums,

and TED.com


Right now I fear that I do not know enough to proceed to graduate

school; I wish to reach a level in my learning where I feel confident

with any situation that comes my way. I want to understand the

wide scope of art history, from start to finish. Until then, I think I’ll

be here.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?

I am on the fence between museum studies or becoming a

professor. I am having difficulty selecting an area of art to put

all my time and devotion into, so until then, I’ll be in school.

Art History – BA | vcu.edu/arts/arthistory/dept | 804.828.2784

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Cinema major/Religious Studies (second major),from Tennessee

Ian Edwards

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My work has become much more mature since coming to

VCU. I now have a greater understanding of the cinematic

language and the body of work that came before me and have

a basis to make much more interesting art that takes into

consideration and manipulates what has already been done

to create an entirely new image. Aside from that, I have also

learned to better work with a team. Making movies is difficult

work, which could not be completed without the work of an

entire crew. I used to feel that filmmaking was a very private,

personal experience, but in the context of making narrative

pieces, I have learned that it is a very group oriented task.


There are many people at VCUarts (faculty and students alike)

who are doing very important, timely work and are very excited

about it.


I was afraid that my first couple of years of film school

would simply be a rehashing of what I had already learned

about film from my high school filmmaking and film studies

course. It turned out that this was not the case and that I was

immediately able to enrich what I had already learned.


Rob Tregenza has been an incredible inspiration to me. His

career has pretty much followed what I ideally want to do with

my life.



I would have never seen Titanic. Or Pearl Harbor.


I read a lot, but there’s no particular theme. Right now I’m trying

to digest Thomas Pynchon, which may take the better part of

the summer. Lately I’ve been trying to learn the art of being a

home bicycle mechanic and I’ve been watching a lot of Seinfeld.


I would have to say the latest production we did is my favorite

memory. We shot a film in 35mm with students from La Fémis

and their instructors Pierre-William Glenn and Jean-Jacques

Bouhon.


I shot a film called “With a Capital C” for a friend and fellow

student named Michael Leonberger. It was a runner-up at the

recent Student Film Festival and I feel it was my best work so far.


I would like to be director of photography for a feature-

length film.


I hope to become a director of photography. I plan to go on to

graduate school and eventually (hopefully) earn a Ph.D. and

teach others about the art of cinema.

Cinema Program – BA | vcu.edu/arts/cinema/dept | 804.828.7919

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Cara FryeCommunication Arts major from Virginia

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When I revisit work from the beginning of my freshman year

and compare it to the work that I make now, I not only see

an improvement in skill but an improvement in conceptual

understanding. As a freshman I found that being creative was

the most difficult aspect of being an artist. I grew up in a small

town where being artistic was not emphasized and suddenly at

VCU I find myself as part of a creative community. This change

in environment has been the reason for any improvement of

my work.


VCU has the best art program around. I never felt the need to

travel out of the state to find another school when there was

a great one right here. It was just the right amount of change

that I needed. I knew it would challenge me yet I still felt

comfortable and safe in Richmond.


Instructors in the Communication Arts department truly

impress me every day. It is such a great opportunity to not

only have professional artists teach you but to have them be

completely honest with you about your work. It took my first

year in the department to realize how important critiques are.

The instructors are sincere and do not tend to sugarcoat a

critique for the sake of hurt feelings. Being critiqued will always

be an aspect of what I do. The amount of time that the faculty

take to prepare students for this truly impresses me. It is part of

the VCUarts experience that I appreciate the most.

How is your experience at VCU different from how you thought it might be?

I was initially intimidated. I worried that I would feel that I

needed to constantly compete with peers. I grew up a big

fish in a very small pond and suddenly I was surrounded by

people who were far more talented than me. Now I experience

a feeling of community. The number of students in our

department is relatively small and because of this you become

close to your peers and teachers. I feel very comfortable

now sharing opinions with them. I am no longer intimidated

about being a student along side of very talented people. It is

important to have others that will challenge you. It is the only

way to improve.


Jorge Benitez, assistant professor in Communication Arts,

has been an inspiration to me. His classes have awakened me

and taught me how to speak out rather than shy away as I had

previously tended to do. Also, he has made me realize that as

an artist it is very important to know about the world around me

and pay close attention to what is going on outside of my own

personal life.


Nature, Biology. My favorite thing to do in high school was hike

to Connely’s Run, a local creek, and collect data from the small,

delicate ecosystem. I participated in a Save Our Streams program

where a couple days a week we would monitor activity in the

ecosystem by measuring water pH levels, types of insects, fish

and so on. Maybe one day I will combine the two and illustrate a

wildlife book to document species of insects and plants.


The best memory by far is winning the Dean’s Scholarship

Award. I was very surprised when I was notified. I called

everyone in my family twice. Realizing that I – and my work –

are noticed by other people is a great feeling.


My favorite project as a student was an assignment I received

during the fall of my junior year in a painting class taught by

Sterling Hundley. We were able to generate one-on-one ideas

with him the way that an illustrator might with an art director.

It was great coming up with an idea as a team. Sometimes it

is almost impossible to generate a really great concept alone.

Continued…

Communication Arts – BFA | vcu.edu/arts/communicationarts/dept | 804.828.3658

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I learned that working with another mind can be a great thing!

Maybe my painting in the end technically was not the best, but

it is one of the few that I really feel satisfied with due to a solid,

creative and effective concept.


I would not change my knowledge of what to expect about

attending VCU if I could go back to summer before my

freshman year. I really enjoyed the process of figuring things

out on my own. VCU and Richmond are the perfect place to

start a new life away from your family. Growing up here over

the past three years has made me a much more confident and

independent person.

What advice would you give to a new VCUarts student?

I would tell them to never let yourself become discouraged.

There are so many different personalities at this school. It was

intimidating to me when I first got here to be around so many

outgoing and talented students. I graduated from high school

with friends that I attended kindergarten classes with. VCU

was a huge change for me. But, now I have found a great new

group of friends that are artists too. I was never able to have

this before. There is always someone to help you with projects,

idea generation, etc. It is very important to not separate

yourself as an art student. I would tell any VCUarts student to

go out and be part of the Richmond art community, see what is

going on and participate.


My goal for my senior year is to get a head start with my career.

I don’t want to have to figure things out the months after I

graduate. I hope to have some type of path established ahead

of time. I hear from other people how important it is to get your

name out there, and to be recognized. I wish that I had listened

more carefully before and really started working towards this

earlier. I have been able to coast along with work my whole life.

Now the gears are going to have to shift, but I am really excited

and looking forward to change.


There are many things that I would love to do after I graduate.

I am constantly changing my mind about what I want to be. I

think that this is a good way to be though, I think that my career

will always be in constant motion and evolving with one thing

leading to another. I would love to be an art director, freelance

artist, teacher, or just continue on to graduate school. As long as

I am working with other people and always given the opportunity

to solve visual problems, I will be very happy.

Cara Frye interview continued

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Meg J. Roberts Craft/Material Studies major concentrating in Metal,Art History minor, from Virginia

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I feel like it’s impossible not to progress, especially within the

first year of Art Foundation. The rigorous schedule and high

expectations really force you to constantly think, create, and

push your ideas. Being a Craft major has also helped me refine

my work in a major way. A huge emphasis is put on the “craft”

of a piece, in addition to high expectations for concept and

thought process.


My experience is definitely different from my original

expectation. This is mostly because I started Art Foundation

hoping to go into Graphic Design. I think this was just because

it was seen as the only “valid” way to pursue visual arts and

possibly find employment after college. This wasn’t necessarily

my belief, but more what others, pre-college, had me believe.

It was in Art Foundation that I realized that I hated computers

and was much more interested in three-dimensional work that I

could physically interact with. So I feel like my original choice of

Graphic Design and what I ultimately pursued, Craft, are sort of

opposite ends of the spectrum. (Both valid! Just different.)


I am reluctant to say this, but my first studio professor in Art

Foundation was particularly influential. At the time I found him

abrasive and rude. However, his harsh attitude really made me

push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. His words

still run through my head sometimes when I am working! I

guess the most valuable thing I got from him was the ability

to be more critical of my work and ideas, which has ultimately

made me better at what I do.


I love to play sports and compete! I play on a few volleyball

teams at Richmond Volleyball Club. I have also been sailing

ever since I can remember. Every summer my dad and I race

a small boat on the Chesapeake Bay. I am also a huge fan of

eating food.


I think my favorite project is one much bigger than myself. I

had the opportunity to participate in a program called “Radical

Jewelry Makeover.” This program basically raised awareness

about the issues surrounding the metal mining industries,

including devastating social and environmental damage.

This was accomplished through a community project which

involved jewelry donations from the Richmond area. These

donations (everything from Mardi Gras beads to diamond

wedding rings) were transformed and reworked into new,

more desirable pieces. It was really exciting to work in the

metal studio with everyone at all hours of the night, creating

work for a cause.


My goal is to leave VCU with a body of work and a thread of

ideas that will compel me to continue to create work in “real

life.” I hope to have a little bit of fun between now and then too.


My favorite memories all involve my

freshman suite mate, Ashley. I think my

ultimate favorite is when she came to

my class wearing the prosthetic butt

made especially for her. She worked it.


I kind of want to continue going to school. I hope to go to

graduate school, or even pursue another degree somewhere

else. I don’t really know what kind of “work” I will do. I feel like

I should just pursue what I want and the rest will fall into place.

Craft/Material Studies – BFA | vcu.edu/arts/craft/dept | 804.828.1477

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Aaron Burr JohnsonDance & Choreography major/Marketing minor, from Virginia

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I came to VCU Dance with the intention of developing

choreographic skills because I thought it was too late for me to

become a “dancer.” By that I mean a professional with whom

choreographers ask to work, not someone who dances as a

hobby. Aside from being asked to dance by student, faculty,

and guest choreographers, there are certain days where I can

just feel my bones, muscles, and brain making connections

to one another. When it happens, you can hardly believe what

your body is actually doing. It’s definitely a gradual process,

though. Some days you’ll do something and then remember,

“I couldn’t do this a month ago!”


Coming out of high school, I thought that I was going to be

either a biologist or an orthodontist. I decided to come to VCU

as a dance major because I wasn’t particularly passionate

about biology or orthodontics and I was really enjoying the

extra-curricular dance classes that I was taking. In retrospect, I

really had no idea what I was getting myself into. Absolutely no

idea. It was a risky decision but a perfect fit.


Dr. James Frazier. I have had him as a professor for Ballet

History, Modern Dance History, and African American

Presence in American Dance, Performance, and Social

Contexts. The information that I have taken from his classes

has found its way into my views about choreography,

technique, art and the importance of dance in everyday life.

He really makes his students question the art form and the way

in which its history has been recorded and taught.


I’ve always loved gardening and watching things grow. I

probably developed this love as a kid when my mother watched

me as she gardened. I would collect bugs and put them in

jars that I had fashioned as terrariums. Now I just have potted

plants and a fish tank. I also love preparing food. I was given

a juicer recently and have been juicing everything in sight. I’d

juice my own hand if it wasn’t attached to my body. Dogs are

very important, too. My family has a beagle named Betsy that

I miss very much. Luckily, there is a small park outside of the

dance building. People bring their dogs to the park and I’m not

shy about scratching behind a few puppy ears.



At one point, I was a Boy Scout. I dropped out as a Life Scout,

one rank away from the illustrious Eagle Scout rank. I’m

not heartbroken about it, but I think it would be funny to be

known as the modern dancer who is also an Eagle Scout.

Nevertheless, I still carry around my Swiss army knife and am

a good source for outdoorsy information. I know my knots and

first aid.


There was one afternoon when some religious fanatic was on

campus spewing his agenda at students outside the dining hall

and the library. He accumulated a crowd of heated students

that were arguing with him. Three other dance students and I

took the opportunity to perform an improvised dance on this

“stage” that he had set up. After a while, some people in the

crowd began to notice and started watching us instead of the

evangelist. Some strangers even joined in and others gave

compliments. It was like we were breaking up a fight that had

no purpose.

Dance and Choreography – BFA | vcu.edu/arts/dance/dept | 804.828.1711

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This past spring, I served on the Student Concert Committee.

This was the first fully produced dance concert at VCU that

featured work created, performed and selected solely by the

student body. The committee did everything that the faculty

normally does in preparation for a dance concert. This included

organizing the adjudication process, designing a poster,

publicizing the show, making sure the choreographers and

dancers knew their obligations. We did have a lot of guidance

from the faculty but were told that if something didn’t get done,

they wouldn’t cover for us. The whole process was meant

to be a preparation for our Senior Project Concert, which is

the culmination of our work in VCU Dance. Two dances that I

worked on were also chosen by the adjudication committee to

be presented in the concert.


I’ve had this idea for a while of getting a group of art students

together that presents improvisational performances around

campus. I’d love to finally get it organized this upcoming year.


My post-graduation plans change by the minute. As of now,

I plan on continuing my dance training in New York City at

the Merce Cunningham School. In New York I hope to dance

for choreographers whose work I find to be stimulating both

mentally and kinesthetically. I also will be presenting my own

work in some capacity.

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Fashion Design major (“my one and only love”) from Bosnia and Herzegovina; relocated to Richmond in 2004

Nedim Sudic

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Major progression that I have made was the construction of the

actual garments. Before I started in the fashion program at VCU

my work has always been stronger on paper than in cloth. Fine

art was one of my father’s passions and he used paint mostly

in oil and oil pastels, so I grew up around paint, art books and

art galleries and I could draw before I could walk. Even though I

had a lifelong fascination with fashion, my ideas about creating

it have been much different than they are now. I can call myself

a fashion designer now.


I was very impressed with the students, especially the fine art

students. The strength and passion with which these people

work is very inspiring.


In all the classes that I have taken, not just in the fashion

department, but also general education classes, I had really

great experiences with all the professors.


Professor Linda Lee is my great inspiration. Her passion for

students and knowledge about all things fashion is just great.

She is constantly pushing us to develop as great designers, and

she always has a great word of advice whether it’s related to

fashion or just life in general. I could not be happier to have her

as one of my professors.


I hate to admit it but not much, really. I do like to visit museums

in Richmond and DC from time to time, but aside from that, all

my interests are in fashion. I breathe it, sleep it, dream it, eat it,

it’s what I live for.



I would not change anything. Sometimes I think about some

events in my life that I would rather forget, but ultimately these

experiences and events have brought me here and made me

what I am today. I always try to look forward rather than back.

What is your favorite memory (memories) so far at VCU?

One of my favorite memories has to be one night right before

our garments were due for jury and a whole group of us had

been in the studio for two straight days and at some point we

just all started performing Mad TV skits and laughing to tears.

What is your favorite or best project that you’ve contributed to as a

student?

I think it was a dress I made in Art Foundation. It was a

self-assigned project and I made this dress out of paper,

plastic, wood and metal and it was even wearable because I

remember having one of the girls try it on for me.


A lot of things actually, but I’m starting to realize how time

constrained I am. I would definitely like to create a great

collection, organize a great senior fashion show, and leave the

rising seniors inspired to organize an even better fashion show

the following year.


Ideally I would like to start working for a company small

enough where I can learn all the ins and outs of the fashion

industry and then eventually start my own label. Tomorrow.

Fashion Design and Merchandising – BFA and BA | vcu.edu/arts/fashion/dept | 804.828.1699

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Rachel Z. WaltersFashion Design major/Art History minor, from Virginia

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Before I came to VCU I had a somewhat narrow view of art. I

wasn’t well read on many current working artists. Having to

research and write about contemporary art practices opened

my mind to the possibility of combining media to create

something new. I learned that I could combine my love for

storytelling, painting and clothing design by making sets with

puppets and then documenting my tableaus with photography

or video; art forms that I hadn’t explored before coming to VCU.


When I was told that Art Foundation would consist of four core

studio classes, I thought that within each area of study, class

time would consist of specific technique training. For instance,

I expected to be taught to paint in Surface Research. I was

surprised that we were mostly assigned projects and left to do

whatever we could with what we already knew. If we wanted

specific instruction, we were expected to ask for it. Things

were a little different in Space Research, where we were

shown techniques for wood working, for which I was grateful.

It probably just boils down to which teacher you get.


Matt King seems to be the most thoughtful, talented, and

organized teacher. He has a knack for explaining projects and

techniques, giving lectures and running critiques. I was inspired

to work at the top of my game for his class because I respect

his art and his teaching method.


I find musical theater riveting. It combines so many fields of

art and design which fascinate me - writing, composing, set

design, costume design, and performance. It’s a culmination of

many types of creative processes, and when done well, can be

really effective in captivating an audience.



There are so many embarrassing things, so I’ll stick with

something simple: I would save all of my allowances,

Christmas, Hanukkah, and birthday money over the span of my

life and put it in a high interest bank account or CD for use now.

What are your favorite memories so far at VCU?

My favorite memories include staying up all night in the Art

Foundation building working on a project with my music blaring

down the hall. Also, seeing the student show at the Anderson

Gallery and realizing that my peer group is astounding and

picking up my portfolio and finding out I won the Dean’s Award.


My favorite piece I’ve made was a nine foot wooden found-

object sculpture based on a character of my invention. It

was bright gold and covered with things I scavenged from

dumpsters (which wasn’t as gross as you think, they were

all on top). It was a commentary on both the ironic beauty of

superficial objects in everyday life and the true beauty of the

deeper meanings we associate with those things.


I want to show a collection of works in a gallery downtown. I

want to win more awards and scholarships. I want to maintain,

and maybe even amp up the level of energy with which I

attacked my freshman year. Most importantly, by the time I

graduate I want to be able to make a collection of clothing that

resembles wearable poetry or music.


If I don’t chicken out, I want to move to New York and work in

the fashion industry until I have enough experience and capital

to open my own business as a clothing designer. If I ever have

time on the side, I will continue to paint and make my funny little

musical theater productions.


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Fashion Merchandising major from Virginia

Whitney Ann Stevens

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My work in and out of VCU has increasingly progressed in my

three years at VCU. I have built lifelong relationships, taken

on new challenges, and enjoyed what Richmond has to offer.

I have worked at least 20 hours a week in Carytown, for two

years at Annette Dean and now I’m at Can Can Brasserie. I

have stayed on track with my major and recently participated

in the annual VCU Fashion Show. I studied abroad in Florence,

Italy this past fall and traveled to other countries as well. This

summer I interned at Movie Star, a lingerie company, and Marc

Jacobs in New York.


The communication has been excellent through e-mail and

personal contact. Additionally, all the events that circulate

throughout the Fan with the Anderson Gallery, First Fridays, etc.


Nothing is how I plan or picture. Each year there are new

surprises.


Each faculty member in the fashion department has a

distinctive personality. Ms. Videtic is straightforward and

intimidatingly sharp. Ms. Caskey is off-beat in an intriguing way

and I listen to whatever she has to say. Ms. Guthrie is one of the

most put-together beings I’ve ever encountered.


I have always enjoyed tennis and being outdoors. More

importantly, I like to discover what is unknown to me and I am

very open to trying new things.



I would probably like to pick up another major/minor even more

geared towards what I am interested in.


Gosh, I believe the memories I have at CanCan with cookouts,

going away parties, birthdays, etc. could last me a lifetime – but

I do remember the first time Tyler (my boyfriend of over a year)

winked at me.


Digital Thread, the VCU Fashion Show was perhaps the best

project. At least I hope so.


I hope to work for a fashion-oriented company or a publication

that is forward-thinking and is in a positive environment.


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Karla MickensGraphic Design major from North Carolina

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Education in general is supposed to expand the mind and be a

challenge. I will say my experience at VCU has been just that. I

think differently than before and I am using different methods

to solve problems in all of my classes.


The one and only reason I came to VCU was for the art school.

Even after I decided to attend, I had no idea it was ranked.

When I toured the Art Foundation building I was definitely

sold. The studio space really attracted me. There was student

artwork on every wall.

What has impressed you most about VCU?

I am impressed with the openness and freedom. Being an art

major is pretty cool and rewarding. I can’t see myself doing

anything else. I am also impressed by the diversity within the

school. The different ethnicities at VCUarts add to the success

of the school. It is a great place to learn and build on your

individual strengths.


I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I came from a high school

that couldn’t care less about the arts. There were not that many

people into art so I was completely shocked when I stepped

foot into my first Art Foundation class. Students had pink, blue,

and orange hair. Some had large gauges in their ears. It was a

totally different atmosphere, but I loved it.

What do you wish someone told you before you came to VCU?

I thought I would have lots of money in my pocket because

I didn’t have to buy a lot of textbooks and clickers. That was

before I realized how much money I had to spend on art

supplies. My advice would be to save up early and always be

on the lookout for great deals on art supplies. Last year I came

across a store that was having 75% off all art supplies. You

better believe I stocked up.


Being an art major is very time consuming. Work hard and be

diligent. It will all pay off in the long run. Oh yeah… don’t forget

to have lots of fun.


Many faculty members have helped me and given me tons

of great advice and help throughout my years at VCU. It’s

hard to acknowledge just one. So I will say the entire faculty

in the Graphic Design department and the MFA students.

My classmates have also been one of my main sources of

inspiration. I learn a great deal from them. They make me happy

and proud to be a Graphic Design major.


It’s hard to think outside of graphic design when I eat, sleep,

and breathe it 24/7. One thing I do enjoy doing is traveling, but

since I’m a broke college student I just dream of the places I will

travel someday.



If I could do go back and do anything, I would have played

basketball and practiced a lot more at it.


One of my fondest memories is when I won first place in the

AFO Student Show in 2006. That was one of the greatest days

of my life. I certainly didn’t expect to win. I was happy with just

having my work in the show, but winning that award was the

best way to end a year of hard work. It was the cherry on top.

One day I will never forget happened at the end of my

sophomore year. We were having portfolio reviews and we

had to set up our portfolio at a certain time during the day. It

Graphic Design – BFA | vcu.edu/arts/graphicdesign/dept | 804.828.1709

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was set in my mind that the portfolios were due that Tuesday

but as I was walking across campus I ran into a classmate

who told me portfolios were due that day. I quickly ran into

the Pollak building to find that they were in fact due, and there

was only 15 minutes left to set up portfolios. So I ran back to

my dorm and grabbed my portfolio, which thankfully I did the

night before. I got back, only to find the doors shut - no more

portfolios could be set up. I dropped my work on a bench

nearby. I had no idea what I was going to do. I immediately

thought I would be kicked out of the program and I would have

to go home and become a janitor. Nevertheless, Anne Graves,

the department administrative director, who works very hard

for the Graphic Design department, allowed me to set up my

portfolio. I can laugh about this now but on that particular day I

believe I cried at least five times.


As an intern at Advanced Energy in Raleigh, NC one of my

projects was to strategize marketing techniques for sustainable

living and energy efficiency. It was awesome to be a part of this

move towards creating a world that is more productive with less

energy consumption.


I hope to work in a design firm for a few years and get some

valuable experience. Maybe after working for other people I will

have gained enough knowledge to open my own firm. I want

to be somewhere where my strengths can blossom and I can

learn something new every day. Hopefully I will do well enough

that VCU will ask me to come and be a guest lecturer. That

would be the day.

Karla Mickens interview continued

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Lauren O’NeillGraphic Design major/University & Art Honors, from Virginia

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Concept drives the idea and design. At VCUarts, I have found a

way to integrate my background in academics with my passion

for design. Because observation and research are so important

to finding inspiration and seeing the world in a creative way,

my background in analyzing data and literature has provided

me with the ability to develop strong conceptualization skills.

Discovering relationships and connections within the world is

the foundation of my love for art and design. In addition, I have

found a way to integrate my hobbies and interests into my field

of design, making my education and the work that I produce

personally gratifying. Through its encouraging teachers and

their challenging assignments, VCU has really allowed me to

explore and develop this passion.

The details make the design. Over my last three years, I

have really refined my craft with meticulous hand skills. By

also exploring media and developing a true understanding of

these materials, I have learned the most suitable elements for

particular projects.


College is what you make it. There have been ample

opportunities for me to push myself continuously, achieving

things I would have never imagined. Participating in a number

of activities and being involved within the school has been

incredibly rewarding as well.


Jamie Mahoney has been truly inspirational. With a

background in art direction for one of the leading advertising

agencies in the country, she lends her knowledge and

experience to the classroom. Her real world assignments push

us into the community by collaborating with others, including

exceptional opportunities to work with real clients. Likewise,

she plans many field trips and workshops to bring students

and professionals in the industry together. She is extremely

concerned with each student’s growth and potential,

expecting students to go above and beyond while providing

critical feedback. Her knowledge of the history of graphic

design is also incredibly valuable. As my Letterpress and

History of Visual Communication teacher (in addition to leading

a number of my favorite classes), Jamie delves into the history

and early practices of graphic design, encouraging students

to learn from the past while incorporating new perspectives

through exploration and play. Jamie’s passion and dedication

to graphic design are contagious, spreading excitement,

knowledge, and experience to her students.


Time spent outside my discipline is incredibly valuable to my

work. In my free time I enjoy baking and cooking. Growing

up in the kitchen (my dad has a culinary background and

my grandmother has a love of baking) I have learned the

importance of sharing a good meal with the ones you love.

We love to celebrate holidays and special occasions with

memorable dinner parties. Birthdays and celebrations are

complete with delicious home cooked meals, handmade

invitations and decorations, and lovely arrangements.

Growing up, I was also absorbed in shows, magazines, and

books about culture, home, and garden. I love HGTV, Food

Network, Discovery, Fine Living Network, TLC, Martha Stewart,

Project Runway, or Top Chef…anything! Dancing, sailing,

traveling, reading, and photography have also provided me with

insight into culture, as well as inspiration. The great thing about a

field in the arts is that inspiration can come from everything, so

being observant, learning about your surroundings, and taking it

all in are all incredibly valuable exercises.



I would love to spend more time with my family and friends. If I

could go back, I would be more involved in my sister’s activities

and be there for all the family functions and outings.

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Favorite memories, there are too many to count! Because

schoolwork is often very involved within the School of the

Arts, classmates turn to close friends, sharing the stress and

celebration of projects. With such a passion for art and design,

my friends and I take every opportunity to delve deeper into

our field, taking trips to see lectures, watch films, tour design

firms, meet with other designers, and get involved. I cherish

all these experiences as they have truly made my college life

memorable, and incredibly rewarding.

Trekking to New York City with two close friends, we spent

three glorious days touring art museums and galleries,

immersing ourselves in the culture and offerings of the big

city. We’ve turned it into an annual affair, and I can’t wait to go

back this year!


So many of the projects are reflective pieces that provide

insight into ourselves. By learning about yourself, you are

able to produce quality work that you are passionate about.

Likewise, knowing who you are as a creator is incredibly

important in collaborating with others, therefore everyone’s

styles and best qualities are represented.

In getting more involved with the community, I have really

enjoyed collaborating with others. In Jamie Mahoney’s

Letterpress class, we teamed up with poets in our community

and from across the country to produce a beautiful, handmade

book. Each student created a spread to illustrate the poem

using traditional means of production—wood and metal type.

The process of putting the book together was informative and

eye-opening to the roots of graphic design and bookmaking.

Also, it was rewarding for both students and poets to have a

published piece.


Being involved within the school has opened many doors,

providing tons of areas of exploration. Being engaged in the

Student Government Association, VCUarts Student Advisory

Task Force, and a number of other activities, I have been

heavily involved in the VCU Green campaign to make our

campus more environmentally friendly. In doing so, I’ve loved

seeing the change around VCU and in our community. Before

I graduate, I am hoping to get more by bringing Richmond and

VCU closer through creative endeavors. There are a number of

projects I want to head up including a community garden and

perhaps a resource center for student and area designers.


Pursuing an education in the arts is really about learning how to

solve problems effectively. VCUarts has really prepared me to

tackle any task and provide a creative and appropriate solution.

I look forward to digging my hands into a number of design

fields, bouncing between graphic and perhaps interior design

(and maybe even fashion design). To me, design is about

fostering all sorts of relationships—between elements within

a work, or among members of the community. Design is all

around us, we live our lives in it. So, by creating pieces that

provide innovation and a fresh perspective, I want to produce

meaningful and thoughtful work. I want to affect people’s lives.

I hope to move to New York and immerse myself in the culture

and arts while working in publishing, perhaps for a magazine.

Maybe work for a firm for a little bit, then attend graduate

school to further explore my passion for design and return to

Richmond, perhaps to teach and raise a family.

I have a long list of career goals, dreams, and aspirations, but I

am eager to see where life takes me!

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Linda J. ClarkInterior Design major/Business minor, from Washington, DC

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My work has progressed to a more reflective and

sophisticated level of analysis and completion. My work is

stronger because it has more of a foundation supported by in-

depth research applicable to my design solutions. In my design

process, my work addresses solving a problem by means of

creativity, innovation, and understanding the need for such a

change or improvement.


What has most impressed me about my VCUarts experience is

its educational and cultural opportunities, diversity, foundation

courses and collaborative efforts among departments.


There is ample attention given to students, where our growth

can be measured and creativity fostered on an individual basis.

The student-to-teacher ratio is lower than expected in such

a large university. There is no anonymity in my department

which allows me to receive the most suitable guidance and

attentiveness to grow and develop as an individual.


Ruth Baker-Westervelt and W. Kevin Wyllie, assistant

professors in Interior Design, are two faculty members that

inspire me. Their professional work is innovative, and as

teachers, they push me to think outside the box, always taking

it to the next level.


My interests outside of my arts discipline include engineering,

technology, painting, music and aspirations of helping the

community.



If I could go back and do something differently in my life, it

would be to live a healthier lifestyle.


My favorite memory so far at VCU has been my trip to Doha,

Qatar for the 2007 Tasmeem Design Conference. In the spring

of 2007, I was selected along with twelve other students,

to represent the School of the Arts from Richmond in an

international design charette and conference on sustainability

across design professions.


My favorite project is the Gathering Booth and Café design

for the School of the Arts. This design project was developed

in my junior interior design studio. The project’s objectives

were to design a café that serves to brand the Pollak building

as the home for the School of the Arts. The design displays

students’ work from various departments, making them visible

to passersby on Harrison Street. ReFresh Café contains seating

for 32 patrons, serving light snacks, sandwiches, coffee and

fruit beverages. It is equipped to accommodate students and

today’s technology. Vibrant colors and materials energize the

community, and large panels of architectural glass define the

café’s limits while offering a visual connection between the

café’s interior and the surrounding environment. Commonly

used materials in this space include wood, stainless steel, glass,

plexi-glass, and cable systems for lighting and art displays.


After graduation, I hope to work as an interior designer for a

large commercial architectural firm and possibly segue into

architecture.

Interior Design – BFA | vcu.edu/arts/interiordesign/dept | 804.828.1713

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Kirk ZamieroskiKinetic Imaging major from Virginia

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My education here has been very beneficial to my ability to

understand and critique the art that I experience on a day-to-day

basis. When I first came to VCU, I hadn’t taken an art course

since the eighth grade, and frankly was very disconnected with

the art community. I was lacking in my understanding of art both

conceptually and aesthetically, but the VCU art program brought

a better light to those abilities, which are an essential in your own

creative processes as an artist. Now I’m very confident in my

opinion and not scared to voice it.


When I first came to VCU, I had a pretty stationary path

planned as to what direction I was headed in art. Thanks to

the Art Foundation program, I learned so much about art that

it completely changed my perspective as to what I wanted to

become and what kind of art I wanted to create. I was hardly

prepared for what was in store for me freshman year, but in the

long run I think it was a wonderful enlightening experience and

something all art students should have to go through.


All faculty members have inspired me in their own ways. One

thing that I has made my education so much deeper is that

the Kinetic Imaging faculty don’t present themselves to us as

teachers, but more so as peers–as fellow artists. I think this

type of relationship is essential in our educational experiences

as developing artists. Their involvement and engagement in

our art is what has really inspired me to work harder. It makes

me feel as though I’m working hard for not just myself, but for a

community of artists.


I aspire to become an animator, but along with that interest, I

want to pursue an education in media theory. I have also always

been very interested in musical composition and would like to

take time to study more music theory.


My favorite memory has to be arrival week freshman year. I

had no idea what to expect, and at first, I was honestly a little

scared. There was so much going on and everyone had such a

friendly attitude, I knew I chose the right place. I’ve never made

so many friends so quickly in my entire life.



I would most definitely have pursued the arts more when I was in

high school. I felt as though I wasn’t able to make that career path

because I was always told it’s not “lucrative” enough. Now that

I’m in it I’m not worried about it at all and I’m really, really happy.


There’s an animation that I am doing with my older brother who

graduated last year. I think it is a really awesome thing to first

be making art, and second to be making it with someone who

you’re very close to.


Before I graduate, it is my goal to achieve a quality to my work

that seems professional. I am a very critical person, and to me,

it is very easy to judge what is student work and what isn’t.

Judging by how hard I’m working and the sincere help of all my

professors and peers, I think I can get to where I want to be.


After I graduate, I really just want to make independent

animations with my brother. Hopefully I can manage to earn

some sort of grants to allow me to work strictly on my projects,

but if not, I wouldn’t mind working on cartoons for kids. I’ve

always had a strong interest in educational programming, and

I hope one day to impact the structure of animated content–

because as of recently, I’ve been disappointed in animated

series on television.

Kinetic Imaging – BFA | vcu.edu/arts/kineticimaging/dept | 804.828.7204

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Melanie LibbeyMusic (Flute Performance) major from Virginia

46


As far as my musicianship is concerned, I have improved

greatly in my stage performance. I can now get up in front of an

audience of over a hundred people, and perfom the way that I

intend to, regardless of nerves or shakes.


The most impressive aspect of VCUarts, for me, is the fact

that everyone I have met throughout the school is interested

in me AND my well-being. Everyone has been extremely

encouraging and nuturing to me, and in my opinion, that’s a

priceless entity within a college environment.


As a flutist, I am used to LOADS of competition and

competitive students who are shady in order to get higher up.

The flute studio at VCU is NOTHING like that. Again, they’re all

out to encourage each other and learn from each other.


My flute professor has inspired me to practice and become the

best that I can be, because I’m meant to be a musician. She’s

made me into the musician that I am today.


I’m really interested in writing, and I’m probably the only geek

who’s actually looking forward to English 200.



I would have gotten my driver’s license sooner and begun to

accept more responsiblity at an earlier age.


I had a great time playing piccolo and flute for the VCU Opera’s

production of the Mikado [pictured above].


The Symphony Orchestra.


I want to pass an audition for a professional symphony

orchestra.


I want to be a symphonic flutist/flute teacher for a living.

Music – BA and BM | vcu.edu/arts/music/dept | 804.828.1166

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Painting and Printmaking major from Tennessee

Katherine Duckworth

48


Lately, I have been really excited about my work and enthusiasm

can only lead to progression. I think a lot of my progress comes

from just disciplining myself to go to the studio every day, or to

just work on something every day. You have to treat it like it’s

your job. I’ve learned how to really focus my energy into my

work. For instance, there was a time when I was really burnt out

on painting. I wanted nothing to do with it but I forced myself

to just tough it out and keep going. I think that struggle really

pushed into new levels of thinking about painting.


I thought that the environment in the art department was going to

be extremely competitive but that is not how it is at all. It can be

competitive at times but not in a negative way. Your professors

and classmates are almost always willing to talk to you about

your work. Everyone is exchanging ideas with each other and it’s

great! The painting department is an extremely productive place.


It is very difficult for me to choose one professor who has

particularly inspired me. Without Rob Tarbell I would not even

be in the painting department. Sally Bowring has been a huge

support for my work and me. Christine Gray taught me how

to paint, and Todd Cronan taught me how to think about art in

ways that I would have never imagined.


I really enjoy doing things outside. My dad introduced me to

hiking and scuba diving while I was visiting him. I don’t get to

do either very often but when I do it’s like a special treat.



I wish I had better discipline when I was younger. In high school

I didn’t draw or paint from life much. I guess when you are a

teenager you think your ideas are pretty great so you disregard a

lot of information that could be valuable. I just think about where

my work would be now if I had just worked a little harder and

it kind of irritates me. But, I have the rest of my life to perfect

technicalities so I don’t necessarily regret it. I just wish I would

have opened my mind to more information before college.


My favorite memories at VCU are just all over the place. The

important memories are friends, food, walking in the Fan,

sitting on roofs and late nights in the studio.


I think my favorite project was a series of etchings I completed

in the fall. They were sort of a starting point for understanding

where my work was going. They were based off of maps,

but were manipulated throughout the printing process. I was

basically composing landforms and changing them to my

preferences. Imaginary landscapes.


I want to get a fair amount of traveling done before I graduate.

It always seems to help my work when I go to a new place for

awhile. Traveling really puts things into perspective. You learn a

lot about life by just immersing yourself into unfamiliar places. It

doesn’t have to be out of the country, or even out of the state. You

can find something amazing in the next town over I bet. There is so

much space on this earth that is full of whatever you’re looking for.

Painting and Printmaking – BFA | vcu.edu/arts/paintingprintmaking/dept | 804.828.1696

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Photography major from New York

William Connally

50


I have noticed that my work has matured, and I have

concentrated more on the concept behind the piece.

The department stresses strong concepts as well as

interesting compositions.


What has impressed me the most about VCUarts is the

opportunity to interact with and learn from the acclaimed

artists who we’ve studied in class.


Initially, I did not expect the professors and grad students to be

so approachable and willing to help. It is wonderful to know that

they are always available to help discuss ideas and lend their

expertise.


I have had several excellent professors, but I continue to work

with Vita Litvak, who taught me during my first year. The two

of us are in the Graduate School Mentorship Program together,

and meet each week to talk about current projects. She has

taken an interest in my artwork, and introduces me to other

artists working within the same vein.


Outside of photography, I am interested in literature, film

history, and the mythologies of different cultures. I also enjoy

drawing and swimming.


One of my favorite memories was when I was able to

assist three of my professors as they created a film on the

Chesapeake Bay. We camped out on an island and filmed with

35mm cameras. It was a terrific experience to see how an

independent feature is made.


A project that I just completed is a series of tableaus that were

created to be reminiscent of film stills. Each image features

a group of spectators whose attention is directed toward an

event or object just out of frame.


I am looking to create a strong, cohesive body of work before

I graduate.


After graduating, I hope to continue creating artwork, while

teaching at a university.

Photography and Film – BFA | vcu.edu/arts/photofilm/dept | 804.828.1695

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Anne SchermerhornFilm major from Virginia

52


My work has moved beyond simply making art as an outlet

and entertainment. Before, I was told to paint some branches.

I tried to find an ironic way to paint sticks, figuring the success

was in making a pretty and funny piece. Now I can find a

context and meaning behind why I do what I do, while still

having fun. It is easier to find what to show and what not to

show in work. Art is now a way I look and feel about the world,

the creation of it stems from my need to show and educate

others on my perspective. Selfish, I know.


I always expected there to be clear lines between art and life

outside of art. There isn’t, you just have to change how you look

at things. Art is for people with the mentality that refuses to get

bored.


There isn’t a faculty member, good or frustrating, who hasn’t

inspired some part of me to change for the better. That being

said, all faculty have definitely made me raise expectations of

myself. I am thankful for the ones that have figured out how to

do this in a positive way. There are some, like Todd Raviotta,

who truly convince you that they care, and are simply amazing

people to be taught by. You can stay after for hours talking with

him – it’s great. In his class, exploration dictates motivation and

that appeals to how I enjoy making art.


I started off with an idea that I would major in both art and

biology, because I wanted to be a herpetologist. But the reality

is I have never wanted a specific career and more importantly

I did not want to be bored. Film was the easiest way for me to

learn about whatever I choose while being able to reach a larger

audience than just those who spend time in galleries.



I would have looked for summer internships, abroad programs,

and volunteer art projects right from the start. People love to

have others help them out. Programs and opportunities are

everywhere if you just have the energy to look for them.


I remember eating animal crackers with one of my friends on a

drive up to DC. I was looking for all the deformed ones and taking

pictures of them. I found some that looked like dinosaur orgies in

cookie form. I thought, “hey! if a t-rex and brontosaurus could get

along that well, there is hope for our future!”


My favorite projects change daily, I know there are a bunch

I want to go back and rework, but I just can’t bring myself to

look at them. I would have to say that a documentary I made

on my mother is my favorite. It was the first piece I made in

David Williams’ Documentary Class that I really felt showed

my personality as well as that of my mother. I also still really like

some of the painting/drawings I did in Art Foundation though.

I look back on that year and am glad I have the broad range of

work that came out of there - everything I did ended up being

important to me.


I want to get into some more festivals and work on more films.

Really, I feel as though I am getting too much sleep and it

unnerves me. Setting goals is good but I want the to flexibility

to just jump into different projects. I love getting involved with

everyone in the department to get different projects done.

I would love to intern on film sets. I am even entertaining the

idea of going abroad and teaching English in other countries

(Nepal). I really just want to go to Nepal and do something I can

make a documentary about. I can’t think of anything better than

to go abroad and help educate not only the kids there but also

the international public about the experience.

Photography and Film – BFA | vcu.edu/arts/photofilm/dept | 804.828.1695

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Tim RusterholzSculpture major/Art History minor, from Connecticut

54

How has your work progressed?

Prior to coming to VCU my experience in the arts was very

limited. During Art Foundation I found a new motivation for my

work and it continues to build in the Sculpture department. My

work is progressing as I gain more experience in the studio and

meet new instructors who help me understand how my work

functions in the world.


I had no prior expectation of majoring in Sculpture + Extended

Media. I didn’t know what to expect being part of an art school,

and I had assumed I would become a graphic designer or

something along those lines. Three years ago, I would have

never expected to be making the work I am right now.


Many instructors have been crucial to my development at VCU.

Chris Norris influenced the progression of my work throughout

my freshman year while Michael McKean and Kendall Buster

continue to help me develop my work to the next level. Gregory

Volk’s class was beneficial to the improvement of my concepts

and also helped build my understanding of contemporary art.


I am a member of the VCU Cross Country and Track &

Field teams. I compete as a middle distance runner and am

committed to these programs when I am not in the studio.



If I had not chosen to pursue a career in the arts, I imagine I

would be doing something related to athletics. Currently, I

get to pursue a career in the arts, and still train and compete

competitively so I have a good balance of things I want to

accomplish in different areas.


I don’t necessarily have a favorite or best project to which I’ve

contributed. With each piece I try to gain some new insight to

help develop my next project. Each piece gives me something to

build off of to create more advanced work.


Through VCU’s track and field team I have been able to meet

many people from all over the world. When I look back I will

appreciate the fact that I spent most of my time outside of class

with people from Kenya, Poland, France, Ecuador, etc. Many of

my close friends at VCU are from different continents and the

meshing of cultures made for some of my best memories.


I would like to develop my technical ability at modeling the

figure to a very advanced level. I believe that it is crucial to

my concepts that I master this element of my work. For the

upcoming cross country and track seasons, my main goal is to

make the finals of the 800 meter run at conference in my last

season before I graduate.


After I graduate I would like to take up an apprenticeship abroad

to continue to develop my work. I have plans to attend graduate

school eventually.

Sculpture + Extended Media – BFA | vcu.edu/arts/sculpture/dept | 804.828.1511

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Theatre major from New York

Trevor Dawkins

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I do indeed feel my work has progressed. I know I have become

a more competent and confident theatre practitioner through

my intensive training at Theatre VCU. I am more aware of my

weaknesses and strengths as an artist. Through my training I

now know that nothing worth having is free, and that you have

to sweat and bleed (yes, there has been blood) for the things you

really love. I feel confident with my understanding of elevated

text such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe. I

now have a collection of monologues, sonnets, and movement

pieces that I can use at any time for an audition. I have worked

and will continue to work on various dialects, some of which

I have nearly perfected. I have a much greater understanding

of various schools of philosophy in regard to theatre i.e.: the

writings of Anne Bogart, Peter Brook, Jerzy Grotowski, David

Mamet, Tina Landau and Michael Chekhov. I have a great wealth

of knowledge of the history of western theatre dating back to

early Greek Theatre. The list goes on and on.


The level of experience that our acting professors have,

and the knowledge they impart on us has impressed me.

I appreciate the personal training we receive and the close

relationships that form between me and my colleagues.

My class is like a small eccentric family.


A rigorous physical regimen is essential to actor training. I did

not expect to be doing so much physical training.


My junior acting professor has been a huge inspiration to me.

She has taught me to take pride in my acting process, and to

cover the ground I stand on.



Take more pictures. I hardly have any documentation of my

life, and I know there is so much I know I’m not going to

remember, and I don’t want to forget any of it.


Films and multimedia are extremely influential in my work.


Performing as the titular role in William Shakespeare’s

Titus Andronicus. The play was conceived, rehearsed and

performed solely by students with no help from the faculty.

Under the direction of Cooper Forsman, a fellow student, the

cast devised an extremely experimental staging of the play.

It was very well received by the student body and the faculty

members.


During the spring semester I directed the play Red Light Winter

by Adam Rapp, a production that I am very proud of.


I want to direct one more show that I am currently writing, as

well as perform in at least two or three more productions.


Devise dramatic theatre with the very talented people I have

met and worked with throughout my years at VCU.

Theatre – BFA | vcu.edu/arts/theatre/dept | 804.828.1514

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I wish someone had told me how much work being an art

student is. I’m not exactly sure, but there seems to be a

misconception that being an art student is relaxed and a

breeze. I find myself busy all day every day, with several

projects going on at once. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not

overwhelming; I have plenty of time to myself when I need it,

but I am in working on most nights when my friends are out

and about having fun. Even though I’m not out as much as

I used to be, I’m still having a blast making art. It never gets

boring, and it’s all I want to do.


I wish someone had told me that it is okay to feel awkward and

have no idea what you want. Oh, wait… people did say that to

me. That, and don’t buy books until you know you need them.


I wish that I had researched the school’s other departments,

so that I could have considered taking on a minor earlier on.


58

Everyone has this fantasy about what college will be like, but

when faced with reality, it’s a bit of a culture shock. I pulled 60

hour work weeks (including classes) one semester, worked two

jobs, lived off of 45 cent Kroger mini pizzas and cereal for weeks,

and still managed to pull a 3.5 GPA. I wish I was warned about

the mental and physical turmoil that college can bear on you.

I also wish that I had known that I would be supplementing my

class reading with other material not covered in class, because

I have an insatiable need to learn.


Get a parking permit as early as possible.


Thankfully, I was bombarded with helpful advice and have no

regrets. The most helpful piece of advice was to work harder

than I’ve ever worked before and to keep my enthusiasm level

high. Having a coffee maker at my disposal was also a helpful

suggestion.


I wish someone had told me that Art Foundation and all the

portfolio reviews are really not that bad as long as you are

willing to work hard. I guess the same thing is true for pursuing

your major... it’s not that scary as long as you put in the work.


I wish someone would have told me not to bring my car! You

practically don’t need it. I get so many parking tickets and it just

costs so much money. It’s best to walk or bike.


To MAKE SURE TO USE MY MEAL SWIPES. haha. Enough

said, I think.

Melanie Libbey, Music (flute performance)

I wish somebody had told me before coming to VCU the

importance of attending the guest artist lectures in every

department. It was not until these past two semesters that I

have realized the benefits of attending all lectures from every

department in the School of the Arts, and how it can influence

my thought process and ideas positively.


Not everyone here is a stereotypical art student. VCU is actually

quite diverse!


Bring a bike! I actually didn’t know how to ride a bike before

coming to VCU, but I finally learned around spring break and

have constantly been begging friends to let me borrow theirs.

I’m definitely investing in one of my own for next year. I love

taking impromptu shopping trips to Carytown!


I could have saved the $3,000 I used on meal plans and parking

to make my first feature.

Ian Edwards, Cinema

I wish that someone had told me to get out of VCU every now

and then. As a Dance major, you spend a lot of time in the

Dance Center with classes, rehearsals, extra rehearsals, and

more rehearsals. If you don’t pace yourself, you’ll burn out

quickly. Now that I think about it, I can distinctly remember

students warning me about this at the orientations I attended.

So I guess I really wish that I would have listened to them.

Don’t get me wrong, it is very important to be involved in the

department, in fact it’s integral to one’s success; however, a

good balance makes the load much lighter.


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The best advice that I could give would be to take advantage of

all the opportunities presented to you. This school grants you a

wonderful chance to meet visiting artists, and it is important to

make it to as many lectures as possible.


I’ve met a number of people who scoff at art majors, saying

it’s not as difficult or challenging as, say, a chemistry or

engineering major. Maybe you even believe that. I don’t care

what anyone says, but it is absolutely not true. You will be

investing a lot of time and energy and effort into your work. If

you aren’t, well, I worry for your grades. Be prepared, but if you

truly love art, I’m sure you will get through just fine.


You can never be over-educated. I know that our art history

professors are always interested in personal opinions and

exciting art news from around the world. My advice to a new

student would be to always be on the lookout for new art, or

even new information on old art and embrace all facets of the

art experience. Richmond is one of the most important art

centers in the United States right now; you couldn’t have a

better opportunity.


Don’t take the Art Foundation experience too lightly. It has

gotten the reputation as being the arts students’ boot camp.

I was also nervous about the program because I did not know

what to expect, but I really enjoyed it, it was a great experience.


If you ever get to a point where you are disinterested in your

assignments, and find yourself disengaged in your work, it’s

okay to move onto something else, or even take a break. This

is your art, and it should always be important to you, even if it

is a lot of work. Also, class assignments are never enough.

The more work you do, the better artist you will become.

Never stop working– ever.


Everything at VCUarts is competitive. Everyone here is talented

and driven to succeed and stand out among other students. You

need to work as hard as you can and commit yourself to your work.

Ian Edwards, Cinema

Never become set in your ways. It will only hurt you. The best

way to take advantage of your schooling is to just open your

mind to virtually every possibility both in your everyday life and

in your work. Read books! Read essays! Go to galleries! Meet

new people! You aren’t here to be an art star. Just learn as

much as you possibly can while you are here because you have

so many wonderful things within your reach.


Meet as many people as you possibly can, and treat them all

the way they’ll indubitably treat you, with love and respect and

genuine care.

Melanie Libbey, Music (flute performance)

My advice to a new VCUarts student would be to network

and meet as many people as possible. It is important to meet

contacts relative to your field of study but also individuals

outside of your field. VCU’s diversity is one if its major assets

and students should use this to their advantage. A different

perspective can shape your outlook on a solution to a problem.


Continued…

I would advise new VCUarts students to attend every lecture

they can no matter what major they choose to pursue. They

won’t always get the opportunity to hear so many successful

artists talk, so take advantage and see everybody that comes to

speak. They will make you better artists. I would also suggest

that new students read as many reviews as they can in Art in

America, Art Forum, etc; it will be beneficial to their work.


I would say, get involved in as much as you can, especially in

departments outside your own. Take advantage of all the gallery

showings, performances, and lectures that you can because

knowing your surroundings influences how you make your own

work, and in turn how it is received by your audience.

For new VCU Dance students specifically, present as much

choreography as you can. It’s really important to get comfortable

with presenting your own work and accepting feedback.


Give the city a chance – don’t go stay in your dorm 24/7 or go

home every weekend.

Whitney Ann Stevens, Fashion Merchandising

New VCUarts students should try to attend as many gallery

openings, visiting artist lectures, musical performances, and

plays as possible. They should get out to the Virginia Museum

of Fine Arts, the National Gallery - anything they can do to

look at, talk about and experience as much art as possible.

I also recommend befriending people who are talented and

dedicated. Having friends who operate in a similar manner to

you is very sustaining in times of frustration. Plus, you can go to

shows together and partner up on group projects.


Don’t buy everything on the supply lists. Wait until

assignments are given, scavenge what you can from home,

share with your friends, and if you really must, then go to the

store and buy it. This will save you money and build ingenuity.

Secondly, get plugged in. You are going to need supportive

friends as you push through Art Foundation. There are campus

ministry groups and other awesome fellowships on campus.

Get involved and meet people. Last, take advantage of the great

fun, free experiences and services that VCU offers. There are

fitness classes, workshops, shows, lectures, art openings,

movies, food, culture, and so much more.

Lauren Leigh Hall, Art Education

The worst thing to do is waste Art Foundation classes by

complaining about them. Just use the opportunities and

projects to explore and make the pieces work towards your

goals. Don’t be a lemming.


Come with an open mind.

Save all your work.

Archive everything.

Keep a sketchbook with you at all times.

Research is key.

Ask a lot of questions.

Speak up in critiques.

Learn the rules and then break a lot of them.

Sleep every now and then.

Pride yourself on good craftsmanship.

Be observant of your surroundings.

Find inspiration in the things that you enjoy.

Discover all that Richmond has to offer.

Surround yourself with others.

Take chances.


Advice for New Students, continued

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Want to know which guest artists are coming, where faculty members and alumni are exhibiting their work, or what shows and exhibitions are coming to VCUarts? While visiting ester, you can sign up to receive the weekly VCUarts events email too! Visit www.esterknows.com

PrudenceInterested in finding out about opportunities such as internships and competitions for VCUarts students? www.prudenceknows.info

Inside VCUartsFor information on everything from scholarships to where to buy a used easel, the Inside Arts section of the VCUarts web site has you covered. www.vcu.edu/arts/inside_vcu_arts

VCUarts makes it easy for students to find what they're looking for.

Undergraduate Admissions www.ugrad.vcu.edu

800.841.3638 [email protected]

SAT code: 5570, ACT code 4375

Welcome Center 1111 W. Broad Street 804.827.2000

Records and Registration www.vcu.edu/enroll/rar

[email protected] 804.1349

Financial Aid 804.838.6669 FAFSA code 003735

International Admissions804.828.6016

On-Campus Housingwww.housing.vcu.edu


Off-Campus Student serviceswww.usca.vcu.edu/offcampus


Dining Services www.bsv.vcu.edu/vcufood

Health & Wellnesswww.students.vcu.edu/health

www.yourstrategy.org

Safety and emergency notificationswww.vcu.edu/arts/emergency_notifications

www.ugrad.vcu.edu/students/resources

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts325 North Harrison Street, Ste 201Richmond, VA 23284-2519

[email protected]

(866) 534-3201 (toll free)(804) VCU-ARTS / (804) 828-2787

www.vcu.edu/arts

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Documents

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