Meet this week`s Student Feature, Olivia Thompson! She is a senior who is set to graduate in May of 2025. She is a BFA Studio Art Concentration major after switching from an English major. She found her true passion as an art student during her Painting 1 and Drawing 1 classes. She took both of those classes with Prof. Stass Shpanin who has become one of her greatest inspirations. He helped her make the decision to switch her major and lead her to take some of her favorite classes including Painting 1 and Advanced Painting/Capstone. Another inspiration of hers is Ebecho Muslimova who is a current professional artist. She inspires Olivia’s art with the way that she is able to make herself her own character that she can put into ridiculous situations. Outside of her art, Oliva enjoys watching different kinds of anime including Naruto, Demon Slayer and Dan Da Dan. In the future, Olivia hopes to be a part of an artistic collaborative group and get her art into different galleries.

📸: Abigail Vanono

Join us next week for our next performance in our Mallery Concert Series! We are excited to have the Pyxis Piano Trio perform for this concert series. They started playing in 2009 and since then have captivated audiences all over the mid-Atlantic region. The link for the live stream is in our bio for those who can’t attend in person.

When: Wednesday March 26th, 11:20 am – 12:20 pm (free period)
Where: Mallery Room

📸: http://pyxispianotrio.com/

Happy Spring Break! Recharge and soak up the sun whether you are traveling or staying at home. Have a safe break from us here at the VMPA! 🌸 🌼

It’s time for another Faculty Feature Friday! This week meet Prof. Lavett Ballard! Prof. Ballard is Rutgers–Camden alumni and graduated with a BA in Studio Art & Art History with a minor in Museum Studies. 🎨 🏛️ She also earned her MFA from the University of the Arts in Interdisciplinary/ Studio Art. She is now a professional artist while she teaches here at Rutgers. Both her and her art have been featured in TIME magazine twice. When she first got in the TIME magazine, they featured her work The Bus Riders, 1955 that showcased women like Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin, Mary Louise Smith and Aurelia Browder. On top of being a teacher and professional artist she is also a mother of 3 including her dog.

📸: Abigail Vanono

🌟 Happy Day 2 of Rutgers Giving Days! 🌟 We continue to encourage you to aid the arts programs at Rutgers–Camden! 🎨✨ Whether you’re interested in visual arts, art history, museum studies, animation, graphic design, music, or theater, we have great opportunities for you. Our programs help nurture creativity and give students valuable skills in these fields. Your support will help us improve our offerings. Please check the link in our bio to make a donation. We appreciate your kindness and support! Thank you! 🔗❤️

🌟 Be a Part of Rutgers Giving Days! 🌟 Join us today, March 12, and tomorrow, March 13, for an exciting 48-hour giving campaign celebrating the 10th anniversary of this incredible event! 🎉 Our arts programs at Rutgers–Camden offers fantastic opportunities to delve into visual arts, art history/museum studies, and performing arts! Whether it`s Animation, Graphic Design, Music, or Theater, our program is here to help you develop essential skills across all creative fields. Let`s unite as a community to support what matters most: access to academic excellence, building community, and committing to the common good. 🌈
Visit the link in our bio to donate! 🔗

Arts Day is just around the corner! 🎨 Prospective students and their families are welcome to join us on March 29th at 10 for a fun day of workshops from our renowned professors. Students are invited to attend optional auditions and portfolio reviews as well as meet some of our talented students! Tap the link in our bio to register and share with high school and/or community college students who might be interested in attending. #RutgersCamden #RUCArtsDay

When: March 29th, 10am to 2pm
Where: Fine Arts Building

Have you visited the Campus Gallery to see its latest exhibition? Join us tomorrow to help celebrate Only Child by De’von Downes (they/them) in the Campus Gallery for its closing celebration! The exhibition is a collection of watercolors, drawings, and mixed media pieces reflecting on their idea of "living memory." This living memory stems from a desire to honor their families, communities, and ancestors by honoring oneself. This is your last chance to see their work for yourself and all are encouraged to join us! 🎨

When: March 12th, 5-8pm
Where: The Campus Gallery

📸: Abigail Vanono