Mission

The Center for Visual Arts inspires and empowers students to explore the visual arts through innovative art-making practices, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Our curriculum fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and ideas are brought to life. By examining both contemporary and historical art practices, we equip students with the knowledge and skills to engage with the visual arts across disciplines. Central to our mission is the cultivation of multidisciplinary collaborations among faculty, students, and the broader community, fostering a dynamic and interconnected approach to the study and practice of art.

About the CVA

The Center for Visual Arts is proud to have a distinguished faculty of award-winning artists, craftspeople, and designers. Our comprehensive course offerings include traditional studio art practices, fiber arts, analog and digital photography, and design courses. Advanced courses provide dedicated art students with the opportunity to develop their own unique artistic voice and create a substantial body of work.

The CVA currently has four full-time faculty members, complemented by six adjunct faculty and affiliated faculty from across Johns Hopkins University. For more information on our faculty, please visit our People page.

Each spring, the CVA hosts a student exhibition and reception, showcasing the exceptional work created by our students throughout the academic year.

Mentoring

The faculty and staff of the CVA are dedicated to fostering a supportive and creative community through personalized mentoring both inside and outside the classroom. We offer a variety of opportunities for student-faculty engagement, including:

  • One-on-one meetings with your faculty advisor
  • Annual museum visits to DC or Philadelphia
  • Annual art minor pizza party
  • Speaker Series with distinguished visiting artists
  • Annual student art exhibition and reception
  • In-class faculty-student activities that introduce students to Baltimore’s rich cultural resources, such as museums, galleries, art supply stores, recycled material shops, restaurants, local craft and tool venues, Greenmount Cemetery, nature walks, and collaborations with other JHU departments and faculty.

Visit the Center

  • Hours: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 
  • j-card required for entry