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Visiting Artists

Along with our Ruffin Gallery exhibitions during the school year, the Studio Department has a very active visiting artist program. The faculty, by virtue of their connections in the national and international art world, are able to draw important and diverse contemporary artists to the University from around the world. Throughout the academic year, visiting artists in all media offer lectures, workshops, and studio visits.

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A man stands in the center of a white room with a series of horizontal wooden sticks hanging in front of him with brown and black cardboard head silhouettes.

The Ruffin Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Program, established in 2012 by the Peter B. and Adeline W. Ruffin Foundation, is designed to bring artists of international stature to the University on a rotating basis. Each artist selected offers a series of unique workshops or programs, gives a public lecture and has an exhibit or screening of his or her work for the university community. In addition, the Ruffin Artist in Residence offers a variety of opportunities for personal interaction with distinguished majors in the Studio Art program, including seminars and critiques. Past residents include Nick Cave, Mark Dion, La Pocha Nostra, Marissa Williamson, among many other renowned artists! 

The 2025 Ruffin Distinguished Artist-in-Residence was Christopher Cozier. Cozier presented an installation of his ongoing project New Level Heads in Ruffin Gallery in Spring 2025. 

The Studio Art department is thrilled to host iris hu and Paula Wilson as the Ruffin Distinguished Artists-in-Residence in January 2026. hu and Wilson will present a collaborative exhibition in Ruffin Gallery in Spring 2026.


VISITING ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES

We are not accepting applications at this time. If you have any questions, please contact Elena Yu