Visual Arts Center

The Visual Arts Center (VAC) is positioned as a place for the intersection of art education and art evolution, in which members of a diverse art community have the opportunity to conduct ongoing experiments in visual expression. The VAC, comprising 25,000 square feet, is a spectacular solution to the department’s long-unmet need for exhibition, education, and research space. Designed by renowned San Antonio architects Lake | Flato, the VAC features premiere, state-of-the-art exhibition galleries, exciting programming, and a new, more welcoming entrance to the department through the Kayem Arbor.

The Visual Arts Center draws together a uniquely diverse arts community of students, alumni, faculty, guest artists and creative voices from around the world. This beautiful facility, with its airy hall, collegial gathering space and inspiring art exhibits, forms the new intellectual and emotional center of this dynamic community.

The Visual Arts Center staff assembles annually with a consulting committee made up of Department of Art and Art History faculty and administrators to discuss upcoming exhibitions and to evaluate public programs and policies. The committee consists of the VAC Director, Chair and Associate Chair of the Department of Art and Art History, a student representative, and the following faculty members: Janice Leoshko, Melinda Mayer, Moyosore Okediji, Ann Reynolds, David Shields, Cherise Smith, Jack Stoney, and Dan Sutherland.

Mission

The Visual Arts Center is a vibrant collaboration and exhibition space. Here, emerging artists, faculty and students gather to create, explore and evolve contemporary art.