Ruffin Gallery at The University of Virginia

The Department of Art at the University of Virginia is committed to academic excellence, engaged inquiry, and creative practice. Through the creation and the historical study of the visual and material arts, our students learn to think critically and communicate effectively about art making and its history.

Within the Department of Art is the Ruffin Gallery, which is an active part of the Studio Art program at the University of Virginia. Each year the gallery hosts four to six exhibits that serve as the University’s most important showcase for contemporary art and are an integral part of the Studio Art experience. Students gain valuable experience through their involvement with the production and installation of exhibitions by visiting artists. The gallery also hosts an exhibition by each year’s Ruffin Distinguished Artist-in-Residence. Past Ruffin Distinguished Artists-in-Residence have included Nick Cave, Mark Dion, Marisa Williamson, Cindy Bernard among others. Every spring the gallery is the site of the Fourth-Year Thesis and Aunspaugh Fellows Exhibitions. These openings are important occasions when the whole Studio program gathers to celebrate students’ successful completion of the major. 

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