Jan. 29, 2007

Art-history professor, retired department chair Bruce Koplin dies

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Bruce Michael Koplin, a longtime art-history professor and former chairman of the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Art History, died on Saturday, Jan. 27, at the age of 67.

A Pennsylvania native, Koplin received a bachelor’s degree in painting from the Richmond Professional Institute – the precursor to VCU – in 1961. He began teaching at the university after earning a master’s degree in art history in 1963.

Known for his love of folk art, Koplin served as chairman of the Department of Art History from 1990 until his retirement in 2002. He also served as director of the Anderson Gallery.

During his time at VCU, Koplin played integral roles in the formation of the VCU Arts Foundation and the VCU Museum Studies Program.

For more information on Koplin, visit http://ips.mgnetwork.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_
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