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Visual Arts & Design Center

Where art exhibition and education intersect

Tidewater Community College has moved its visual arts programming to Norfolk Campus.

The new 37,000 square foot facility at the corner of College and Boush now serves as the College’s flagship Visual Arts & Design Center—the heart of all our arts programs. This new facility inspires creativity to thrive in graphic design, drawing, painting, photography, glass fusing, pottery, metalwork, woodwork, and more.  

The VADC is a vibrant addition to a growing art scene, offering new collaborations in education, public galleries, and cultural exploration. This state-of-the-art learning center encourages students to create, connect, grow, and express themselves.

Whether you want to transfer to a four-year program or pursue a creative career, the Visual Arts Center will help you expand the depth and complexity of your studio practice as well as your ability to think critically in the context of contemporary art theory.

Drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, glassblowing, videography – study it all under the guidance of our talented, experienced faculty who will engage your learning in small studio classes using the latest industry software and equipment.

I wanted to expand my skill set. The portfolio class basically got me my job. My bosses were impressed by it. When I took those classes, it opened up a new world.


MATTH VERGARA, GRAPHIC DESIGN

With small class sizes and teacher-to-student ratios, you can expect engaged instruction and mentorship from working artists who are actively engaged in their field and know the building blocks for a career. Career planning and preparation, internships, networking opportunities – the VAC’s dedicated academic advising will hook you up with the resources you need for your academic and professional goals.

And our art education isn’t purely abstract; it leads to solid employment opportunities. You’ll leave the Visual Arts Center with a polished portfolio of work and the necessary professional skill set to help you make practical use of your creative dreams.