Johns Hopkins University

Reflecting the human experience

The Johns Hopkins University Center for Visual Arts (CVA) engages and challenges students in the study and practice of the visual arts to encourage innovative making and thinking, risk taking and creative problem solving that is applicable to research across disciplines.

Central to this mission are classes that offer cross-disciplinary collaboration within diverse academic programs at Hopkins and the greater Baltimore community. Students learn from faculty comprised of accomplished artists, photographers, designers, and illustrators. Visual arts courses examine contemporary and historical perspectives in art while providing an inclusive environment where ideas are shared and made a reality.

Students can minor in art or take general elective classes from a curriculum that includes drawing, painting, cartooning, sculpture, printmaking, digital photography, fiber art and a range of special topics courses. Through Hopkins’ cooperative programs with Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and other colleges in the Baltimore area, students can also take courses offered at other local universities.

Guest teachers and showcases
The CVA invites award-winning artists to campus every semester to work with students and give a public presentation about their art practice. During the spring, the Hopkins community is invited to attend an exhibition of the year’s best work by CVA students. A variety of temporary exhibits are hosted in the department throughout the year as well.

The historic Centre Theater
The CVA moved to its present location at the Centre Theater in 2021. Opening in 1939, it was the first theater in Baltimore equipped for radio broadcasting in-house and the first with the ability to project live television on the screen. The building underwent major renovations in 2015 including the restoration of the marquee. Its art deco style is an iconic feature of Baltimore’s Station North Arts & Entertainment District.