At Boston University School of Visual Arts (SVA), we nurture the creative potential of every student through a balance of rigorous training and open exploration. We emphasize collaboration and dialogue alongside the focus of the studio and the freedom of choices offered by the larger university. Through our ethos, curriculum, and program offerings, SVA engages students in highly experiential learning, building expertise and experimentation through critique, process, and concept.

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The School of Visual Arts offers academic, extra-curricular, and career support for undergraduate and graduate students at all phases of their time at the College of Fine Arts. Find advising help, access equipment, and explore resources offered to all Boston University students.

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SVA Stories

Read more BU School of Visual Arts students, faculty, and alumni making art and making change in the world

CFA Faculty

Creatives in Practice: Mary Y. Yang

The Assistant Professor of Art, Graphic Design at BU is the co-founder of Radical Characters, an educational and curatorial platform that explores graphic design, typography, and culture through Chinese characters

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Toni Pepe, Chair, Department of Photography and Associate Professor of Art at Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Visual Arts, is wearing a black sweater and a plaid skirt while adjusting a camera mounted on a tripod in a room with several papers and pictures taped to the wall in the background.
Visual Arts

Creatives in Practice: Toni Pepe

BU's Chair of Photography and Associate Professor of Art is an artist-in-residence at the Boston Public Library’s Special Collections, where she focuses on the material life of photos and clippings that document women in the media

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Three people sitting on a couch with papers in hand, engaged in discussion. One person is in the foreground, another person is partially visible on the side, and the third person (Megan Kwan) is seated upright with a pen.
Visual Arts

Beyond the Classroom: Megan Kwan (CFA’27)

As a fellow for Innovate@BU’s Enlight Summer program, painting major Megan Kwan (CFA’27) interned at the Pao Arts Center, Chinatown’s first arts and cultural center, connecting with community and her identity

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CFA Students

Beyond the Classroom: Yoon Kim (CFA’26)

As a teacher at Moses Brown School, BU online MA Art Education student Yoon Kim engages in a range of roles that have allowed her to grow as an educator, leader, and active member of the school community

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Why BU School of Visual Arts?

Guided by world-class artists and educators emphasizing skill-building and the ability to think creatively, you will hone your eye, hand, and mind at SVA.

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Visual Arts Events

Join us for lectures, exhibitions, and more!

Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá (Not From Here, Not From There) Exhibition

Day: Thursday Nov 6th Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery

Hidden in the Layers Exhibition

Day: Thursday Nov 6th Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm 808 Gallery

Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá (Not From Here, Not From There) Exhibition

Day: Friday Nov 7th Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery

Hidden in the Layers Exhibition

Day: Friday Nov 7th Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm 808 Gallery

Open Studios Fall 2025

Day: Saturday Nov 8th Time: 10:00am - 6:00pm 808 Commonwealth Ave.

Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá (Not From Here, Not From There) Exhibition

Day: Saturday Nov 8th Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery

Hidden in the Layers Exhibition

Day: Saturday Nov 8th Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm 808 Gallery

Hidden in the Layers Exhibition

Day: Tuesday Nov 11th Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm 808 Gallery
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