Mason Exhibitions is a program of George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and is affiliated with the School of Art, History and Art History, and the Arts Management Program.
Mason Exhibitions is committed to using the visual arts as a significant learning experience for all students. It offers a multi-venue forum where exhibitions are regularly presented at six art galleries on the Fairfax, Arlington, and Manassas campuses. MFA thesis exhibits and undergraduate senior exhibitions are also presented in some of these venues.
Public sculpture can be viewed on the Fairfax campus, along with a lively mural arts program. Mason Exhibitions has a special focus on cross-disciplinary projects that bring together artists, researchers, and scholars as collaborators, such as Approaching Event Horizons: Projects on Climate Change and Arcadia.
Through its research partnership with Provisions Research Center for Arts Social Change, Mason Exhibitions develops cross-disciplinary curatorial platforms to engage questions around philosophy, social justice, communications, conflict resolution, identity, technology, and sustainability.
The Center is committed to exploring new models for art and culture that lead to a more inclusive, equitable, and connected society.
A Multi-Venue Experience
Mason Exhibitions offers socially-engaged programs highlighting contemporary visual artists who raise societal consciousness around global issues. Learn more about its six gallery spaces, outdoor laboratory, and its unique research library, below.
Mason Exhibitions Arlington
This storefront gallery is located three blocks west of the Mason Square Campus in Arlington, and features high-profile exhibitions from internationally recognized visual artists and curators. Find hours and information at Mason Exhibitions.
Founders Hall Gallery
This hallway gallery is located in Van Metre Hall on the Mason Square Campus, Arlington. Directly outside of the main auditorium and multi-purpose room, this gallery primarily presents local, faculty, and alumni artists, as well as pieces in the University Art Collection. Find hours and information at Mason Exhibitions.
Gillespie Gallery of Art
This 2,000-square-foot museum-quality gallery located inside the Art and Design building on the Fairfax campus features an ever-changing program of major exhibitions, as well as featured exhibitions for graduate theses and senior group exhibitions. Find hours and information at Mason Exhibitions.
Buchanan Hall Atrium
Located in the main lobby of Buchanan Hall on the Fairfax campus, this heavily-trafficked gallery features exhibitions from both professionals, alumni, and students. Find hours and more information at Mason Exhibitions.
Fenwick Gallery
Located in the main lobby of Fenwick Library on the Fairfax campus, this space features artwork focused on book arts and collaborative projects exploring the relationship between text and image organized by faculty, students, and alumni. Find hours and information at Mason Exhibitions.
Provisions Research Center for Art & Social Change
Located on the lower level of the Art and Design Building on the Fairfax campus, this unique research library features books that introduce thirty-three social change topics and is actively used in the development of public programs for Mason Exhibitions. Find hours and information at Mason Exhibitions.
Green Studio
This outdoor laboratory adjacent to the Art and Design building on the Fairfax campus features Virginia-native medicinal plants. It is a space for environmental art and sustainability projects generated by students and visiting professional artists with innovative food and greenhouse opportunities. Find more information at Green Studio.
Buchanan Partners Art Gallery
Located on the mezzanine level of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, on the Science and Technology campus in Manassas, this space displays works by regional artists and alumni. Find hours and information at Mason Exhibitions.
Arts Opportunities for Mason Students
- Exhibit in Gallery Spaces: Mason students exhibit their art throughout the Art and Design building, and in various Mason galleries. A gallery can be reserved for student exhibitions.
- Free Exhibitions: Mason students can see exhibitions by professional artists, faculty and other student artists in six galleries between the Fairfax, Arlington, and Manassas campuses.
- Visual Voices: Mason Exhibitions and the School of Art offer the Visual Voices Lecture Series to provide students with opportunities to ask questions and explore different philosophies and approaches to art-making from international professional artists. Watch previous lectures here.
- Internship Opportunities: Art handling and installation; PR and social media marketing; guided tours; event management; video production and editing; fundraising; cataloging incoming books, organizing topical displays, and assisting student researchers.
- Hands-on Mural-Making: Mason students can be commissioned by on- and off-campus clients seeking murals. Even beginners can paint their first mural, as Murals at Mason offers mentorship throughout the process. Student artists are always paid for their work with Murals at Mason.
- Engaging Social Change: Provisions Research Center for Art & Social Change’ extensive library offers opportunities to research intersections between thirty-three art and social change topics.
Mason Square Campus Parking and Directions
Science and Technology Campus Parking and Directions
Fairfax Campus Parking and Directions
Header image: Edges of What I Feel Opening Reception at Mason Exhibitions Arlington. Photo by: Cristian Torres/Strategic Communications/George Mason University