Inspired by the creativity and unlimited potential of its Titan artists, Cal State Fullerton’s College of the Arts is looking toward the future with the opening of its renovated visual arts complex.
At the Oct. 19 open house event, invited campus and community members engaged with artwork from local artists, current students and visual arts alumni in the new 15,000-square-foot Building G, which provides opportunities for students to connect their course curriculum with art creation and curation.
“This remarkable facility will showcase our students’ talents like never before,” said University President Ronald S. Rochon. “This new facility provides the next generation of Titan artists with the tools to realize their full potential as innovators, critical thinkers and also as sources of inspiration.”
Building G houses four gallery spaces: the Nicolas & Lee Begovich Gallery, Marilyn and Cline Duff Gallery, Leo Freedman Foundation Studio and M.F.A. Art Gallery, and the Stan Mark Ryan ’75 Gallery. It also includes a gallery workshop, artwork study room and prep room. Open window displays on the east and southeast sides of the building allow students and community members to engage with artwork whenever they pass the building.
At the building’s open house, art history alum Marie-Andrée Chinchilla paid homage to the architectural history of the original visual arts complex in “Past Forward,”an exhibition of historical photographs that captured the iconic and innovative midcentury design of the original buildings.
“Fast forward to today. The arts at CSUF have grown and changed significantly,” said Chinchilla ’24 (B.A. art history) in her curatorial statement. “As an alumna, I plan to visit and experience how the legacy of the visual arts complex will be redefined and how the future of the arts will be redesigned.”
Other student exhibitions explored such topics as identity, augmented reality and the beauty of abandoned structures in Orange County. On Nov. 2, a public opening reception will be held for the campus and community to celebrate the official opening of all six exhibitions in Building G.
Modernizing Creative Spaces for Students
The visual arts modernization project, which launched construction in 2022, includes two new buildings, major renovations to existing buildings and the addition of state-of-the-art creative spaces to train the next generation of artists and innovators.
“This project provides us with an opportunity to reimagine how we make, talk about and experience art here in Cal State Fullerton’s College of the Arts. It puts emphasis on alumni and students in visual arts who have made contributions to the contemporary art culture in Orange County, Southern California and beyond,” said Arnold Holland, dean of the College of the Arts.
Funded in part by a $65 million state grant, the project boasts more than 85,000 square feet of new and renovated space, including renovated classrooms for digital art concentrations; graduate art studios; upgraded lecture halls; new faculty offices; indoor and outdoor seating; and state-of-art studio facilities such as a green screen/motion capture room, a photography wing, a digital fabrication lab, and a drawing and painting room.
These spaces are equipped with such high-level technology as 3D printers, laser cutters, virtual reality simulation and animation stands similar to the ones used by Disney animators. Combined with faculty support and hands-on training, these tools will prepare graduates to launch successful careers and join a robust College of the Arts alumni network.
“As we look forward to the next 60 years and beyond, we envision a college that continues to lead with innovation and inspiration, embracing the limitless possibilities our future holds,” said Holland.
For more information about supporting students in the College of the Arts and naming opportunities in the new complex, contact Dominic Mumulo and Ann Steichen.