Students in a classroom interact with a teacher and a person participating through video conferencing.
Using pop art as a foundation, the VMFA's Maggie McGurn (on screen) guides VCU students through a series of exercises that allows them to explore the differences between linear thinking and abstract thinking. (Photo courtesy VMFA)

VMFA named artist-in-residence at the VCU School of Business

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The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business has named the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts as its 2019-20 artist-in-residence.

Now in its fourth year, the artist-in-residence program was developed as part of the school’s EPIC strategic plan to drive the future of business through the power of creativity. The program is unique to the business school and has been recognized by AACSB International, the worldwide accrediting body of business programs. 

“We are thrilled to have the VMFA as our artist-in-residence this year,” said Ed Grier, dean of the VCU School of Business. “With its expansive collection and educational mission, the VMFA is an inspirational partner to help our students, faculty and staff expand their creativity and gain new perspectives on problem-solving.” 

“VMFA and VCU’s School of Business look forward to this partnership which will enable business students, faculty and staff to exchange ideas with museum educators, curators and staff in order to build new perspectives together,” said Michael Taylor, VMFA’s chief curator and deputy director for art and education.

“VCU School of Business’ mantra of ‘Creativity at Work’ aligns perfectly with VMFA Education’s goals.  We have a mutual vision of helping students, faculty and the public integrate creativity into their lives and are delighted to collaborate this year to exchange ideas and learn from one another,” said Celeste Fetta, VMFA’s director of education. 

The partnership kicked off informally this summer with a pilot of VMFA’s distance learning program in a graduate-level supply chain innovation course. The museum’s distance learning program allows classrooms anywhere in the commonwealth to tour the galleries and participate in sessions led by a VMFA educator in real time. The pilot was a success, and throughout the year, the VMFA distance learning educator will meet virtually with VCU classrooms for student-directed, interactive explorations of works from the museum’s collection, based on each course’s context and learning objectives. In addition, students will visit VMFA and staff from VMFA will be guest speakers at VCU classes.

Further opportunities for collaboration are being discussed, including a potential campus visit from the museum’s new artmobile, VMFA on the Road, which debuted in October 2018 and has been touring the state for the past year.