UNT officially opens cutting-edge College of Visual Arts and Design building.

The University of North Texas College of Visual Arts and Design is celebrating an expanded and renovated $70 million state-of-the-art facility, thanks in part to dedicated donors who supported this visionary project.

The 238,000-square-foot, four-story, open concept building features named spaces that honor the friends of UNT who are leaving a lasting legacy in the College of Visual Arts and Design:

• Cora Stafford Gallery
• D. Jack and Gail C. Davis Conference Room
• Gloria and Bruzzy Westheimer Texas Fashion Collection Research Gallery
• Milnes Advising Center
• Nancy B. and Jake L. Hamon Auditorium
• Onstead Institute
• Paul Voertman Gallery
• Ray and Georgia Gough Design Research Space
• Samson Family Critique Space
• Susan J. Gabbard Art Education Classroom

“Our donors stepped up in a big way on this project,” said David Wolf, vice president for University Advancement. “Their generosity helped create incomparable artistic initiatives in this world class space where UNT students and faculty will thrive for years to come.”

CVAD facilities now seamlessly marry new construction to the existing building, allowing almost all of the college’s award-winning programs to be housed in the same space. Now one of the most technologically advanced art facilities in the world, CVAD’s new home enables UNT’s community of artists, designers and scholars to develop and grow into the creative leaders of tomorrow.

The building’s fabrication labs foster innovation with 3D modeling and printing capabilities, multi-axis routers and digitized textiles equipment. And the New Media Art program — a discipline that combines technology with traditional art forms — now has access to a digital studio that is adjacent to a full-scale photography studio.

The courtyard, sky bridges and floor-to-ceiling windows allow passersby a view of UNT’s innovative creativity, and visitors who come inside will be treated to galleries featuring a wide variety of works by renowned, emerging and student artists.

“UNT’s community of artists and scholars is incredibly grateful for the donors who collaborated with us to provide critical support for program initiatives benefitting from this one-of-a-kind space,” said Greg Watts, dean of the College of Visual Arts and Design. “The building’s design is intended to encourage curiosity, and we hope the community will always feel invited in to see the work this project has made possible.”

Are you interested in helping the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design secure the arts for future generations? Make your gift today or contact Kelli Fuhrman at 940-565-4026.