Message from the President: Our New Home, Our Next Chapter, Highlights from Winter Residency

Dear VCFA Family,

As I sit down to write this, my heart is full and my mind is alive with the vivid memories of what we just accomplished together during our inaugural Winter Residency at CalArts. It’s hard to put into words the energy, the artistry, and the sheer brilliance that radiated from every corner of this vibrant new home. Yet, I feel compelled to try—to capture even a fraction of the magic we experienced as a community and celebrate the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter for VCFA.

Walking through the CalArts campus, I was struck by the confluence of the familiar and the new. The iconic blue wall that seemed to hum with possibility as it welcomed us each day—every space—be it the sunlit hallways, the intimate classrooms, or the expanse of studios—felt like an extension of our collective imaginations. The atmosphere buzzed with inspiration, as if the very building itself recognized and welcomed our arrival.

At the same time, it was impossible to ignore what was unfolding just beyond the blue wall. The tragedy of the wildfires weighed heavily on all of us, knowing that members of our own community—and our extended CalArts family—were directly impacted by this devastating force of nature. We felt the presence of that hardship acutely, even as we carried forward with our residency. Yet, through the compassion and resolve of our community, and the incredible support and care of the CalArts staff, we persevered. Together, we made the conscious decision to honor the creative process and learning journey we were on, while holding space in our hearts for those affected. This delicate balance spoke to the resilience and strength of our collective spirit—one that carries on even in the face of adversity.

I had the incredible privilege of engaging in deep, thought-provoking conversations with some of our visiting artists, like Cheryl Miller, Teraneh Hemani, Christine Sneed, Linda Sue Park, Daniel Nayeri, and Michael Riley, exchanges that felt less like interviews and more like journeys into the heart of the creative process. We peeled back the layers of what it means to create, dissecting inspiration, process, and intention in ways that left us both vulnerable and invigorated. These moments of intimacy—of sitting across from an artist and asking “why” and “how”—were profound. They will become the foundation for a future podcast series, Unapologetically Creative, where these dialogues will offer listeners a rare glimpse into the raw, unfiltered moments that define artistry. It was a reminder of the power of connection, the importance of curiosity, and the way our community celebrates creativity without boundaries or hesitation.

I remember pausing by the open gallery space, where the work of both our Graphic Design and Visual Art students spoke boldly to the spirit of innovation that defines VCFA. Their pieces, rich with texture and meaning, seemed to hold conversations with the walls themselves, daring us all to see the world through new eyes. Down the hall, you could hear a beautiful piece on the piano coming from the R.O.D., their notes echoing softly and reminding me of the ways in which our community’s creativity spills beyond any one discipline.

In workshops and readings, I witnessed the power of storytelling unfold. Our writers filled rooms with their voices, weaving words that lingered long after the applause faded. Their stories were deeply personal yet universally resonant, reminding me of the profound courage it takes to lay one’s truth bare—and of the strength we find in each other when we do.

In The Bijou, our screening room, I saw the energy of filmmakers bringing their visions to life. There was a palpable excitement as ideas were shared, refined, and brought into being. The flicker of light on the screen seemed to echo the flicker of possibility in every creative mind gathered there.

In even quieter moments—over coffee in Steve’s Cafe or walking together to the next session—I felt an overwhelming sense of community. Conversations were electric, a reflection of the extraordinary talent and generosity of spirit that defines us. Each interaction, each shared idea, reminded me of the power of what we are building together.

This residency was more than just a gathering; it was a milestone. Together, we stepped boldly into a new home and proved once again the strength, resilience, and brilliance of VCFA. We made CalArts our own, filling it with the heart and soul of our programs and setting the tone for what is to come.

As we move forward, I feel a deep sense of gratitude—not just for what we have accomplished, but for what lies ahead. This is only the beginning. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, challenge norms, and redefine what is possible in the arts. CalArts is not just a space for us; it is a canvas, a stage, a sanctuary, and a launching pad for dreams yet to be realized.

To the students, faculty, staff, and alumnx who made this inaugural residency an unforgettable success: thank you. Your passion, talent, and commitment are the lifeblood of VCFA. Let us carry this momentum forward, remembering that we are part of something truly remarkable—a community that dares to dream, create, and inspire.

And congratulations to our amazing graduates who began their journey with us in Montpelier and concluded their formal studies with us here in Valencia. We can’t wait to see what comes next for you and your creative practices!

With deepest admiration and gratitude,

Andrew Ramsammy
President, Vermont College of Fine Arts