Artist Services

Teaching opportunities

Teaching artists are encouraged to explore opportunities for leading classes and workshops at the Visual Arts Center. Generally we require a resume or curriculum vitae, samples of your work, and examples of classes you have taught, or a proposal for a class you would like to teach. Professionals interested in working with adults should contact Malinda Collier, 353-0094 x 11, those wishing to work with youth should contact Sally Kemp, 353-0094 x 23.

Studio Rentals

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond offers studios that can be rented by artists looking for a space in which to be creative. All of our studios are currently occupied, but if you are interested in being put on our waiting list, or if you would like more information, please contact Jackie at jackiemancini@visarts.org

Artist in Residence

TARGET GRANT SUPPORTS TEACHING RESIDENCY FOR YOUTH

VACR extends hearty thanks to Target for our $2,000 grant for the 2007 Artist Teaching Residency for Youth, an on-site, multiple-visit intensive workshop taught by a visiting professional artist. The residency provides opportunities for artists and youth to work together and connect through exploration and creation of art. Selected projects emphasize collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches and explore mediums/topics that are not covered by traditional art programs. The program also serves as an inspiration for students, exposing them to careers that professional artists hold within the community. We have applied for additional funds to support projects in mural painting and video documentary in 2007-08.

Our building renovation provided the perfect opportunity to host a residency program that focuses on architecture and space planning. From the award-winning design firm 3north, architects Todd Dykshorn, Jason Dufilho, Jill Nolt and Fred Garret and landscape architect Heather Barber designed a dynamic residency for a class of nine Art After School students. Our aspiring architects have been immersed in architectural imagery, process and history, and have learned about innovative building materials and techniques. A field trip to 3north's renovated Manchester building provided inspiration for students' own model construction projects, which explore the concepts of scale, space and light. Students completed models that include imaginative interior designs, and each student was given the opportunity to present his or her final project to a team of 3north professionals for review.

The Visual Arts Center and our Art After School program are most grateful to Target for funding this outstanding residency and to 3north for their enthusiastic instruction and guidance. The 3north staff has generously donated more than 60 hours of their time to make our spring residency program a success. Thank you!

Teaching Residency Opportunities 2008 - 2009

Visarts is currently accepting proposals for teaching residencies in fiber, documentary photography, glass, and architecture/architectural ornament.

The teaching residency is designed to provide opportunities for artist/instructors to work and teach at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond with either adult or youth students. The teaching residency provides a unique opportunity for artist/instructors to work with organizational program themes and to engage in programs reaching neighborhoods and communities the Visual Arts Center partners with and serves. The teaching residency is not primarily about the creation of new work or site-specific installations but could include these as a product of the teaching program.

Selected projects will reflect the proposals artistic excellence as well as the interactive and participatory opportunities for our students and community partners. There are no geographic restrictions however the artist/instructor applicant must be actively working and teaching. Faculty and staff of the Visual Arts Center are not eligible to apply.

Projects may include a lecture or special event at the culmination of the project, but neither is required. Projects will be scheduled in coordination with the organizational portfolio program themes.

Teaching residents while on-site will have the use of the teaching studio equipment and a private 10x15 square foot studio. Residents will also receive housing and a travel allowance. The resident will receive a stipend of $750 per week for the project.

For 2008 – 2009 project dates are:

Photography – September through November
Fiber – November through February
Glass – February through April
Architecture/architectural ornament – May through July

Proposals should consist of:

A current resume or curriculum vitae
CD or collection of images of recent works (6-8 different pieces)
A one-page project description including duration (1 – 2 weeks is typical) and target audience
List of required materials/equipment including cost estimate
2-3 letters of recommendation/reference as an instructor
Examples of previous teaching experience (classes taught, projects completed)

Application deadline: June 30, 2008

Notification: August 1, 2008

Applications should be submitted to Malinda Collier, 1812 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23220 or malindacollier@visarts.org