Explore some of the latest news from the School of Visual Arts.
Columbia students collaborate on “Renaissance Rising,” a new Student Center mural inspired by President Bolton’s strategic plan and grounded in real-world professional practice.
The exhibition at Columbia College Chicago’s C33 Gallery showcases the work of Chicago Public Schools art educators—practicing artists whose creative work often exists alongside their teaching.
Students from Columbia College Chicago will engage with entertainment industry leaders on the same lot where “Avatar,” “The Sound of Music,” and other great films were made.
Columbia students connected with the national industry in New York through NRF competitions, alumni-led site visits, and a J-term immersion linking classroom learning to real-world practice.
Art history professor Amy M. Mooney joins the Black Metropolis Research Consortium board, advancing archival research on Black photographers while creating hands-on opportunities for Columbia students.
From the thousands of images she captured in 2025, Columbia College Chicago alum and staff photographer Julie Lucas ’96 curated 25 standout photos that show Columbia at its best.
From new leadership to standout student and alumni achievements, here are the stories that captured the most attention on Columbia’s website in 2025.
Columbia Illustration students partnered with Assistant Professor Cheri Charlton and Chicago Public Art Group on a Lincoln Park mural, gaining hands-on experience in community-based public art.
Columbia College Chicago students brought light, sound, and imagination to the city’s annual Arts in the Dark parade on State Street.
Columbia students and faculty are showcasing bold, community-focused projects in the 2025–26 Chicago Architecture Biennial
Faculty member and illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara partnered with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor on a new children’s book.
This summer, Columbia students participated in an immersive study abroad trip to Japan that sparked personal growth, cross-cultural collaboration, and new creative perspectives.
Columbia Art History alum Sylvia Faichney will continue her research on army family housing with support from prestigious CASVA and Dumbarton Oaks fellowships.
Avin HannahSmith has been named a 2025 Dark Matter Resident at Elastic Arts for his multidisciplinary work exploring Afro-identity, spatial memory, and creative resistance.
The School of Visual Arts at Columbia College Chicago hosts an artist talk with acclaimed painter Phyllis Bramson, whose work combines historical and pop culture influences to explore themes of love, intimacy, and human connection.
Illustration alum Mac McGuire ‘24 creates her first major mural for Columbia College Chicago as the lead artist.
Columbia College Chicago students from six majors collaborated to create “In Flux,” an innovative interactive magazine that addresses real-world issues through bold storytelling and cutting-edge design.
"The Power of Persistence" gala showcases student innovation, teamwork, and determination, all while raising funds for scholarships supporting student success.
Adjunct Professor Lisa Korpan ’19 reflects on her pride in working as art director on FX’s “The Bear,” the impact of her Columbia education, and how her experience informs her teaching.
Columbia College Chicago kicks off the new academic school year with a renewed spirit and excitement to welcome freshmen and transfer students to its South Loop campus on September 3.
As a kickoff to Columbia College Chicago’s 135th Anniversary, the college is honoring 24 distinguished alumni across all disciplines as part of “24 in 2024,” a college-wide initiative that celebrates Columbia alumni and their career accomplishments.
Angie Belloso, Brianna Jennes ’24, and Breyona Smith ’24 just had the trip of a lifetime to London, snagging second place at L'Oréal Brandstorm.
The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago (MoCP) presents "Captured Earth" on view from May 24-August 18, 2024. The exhibition is curated by Kristin Taylor, MoCP curator of academic programs and collections.
Spring 2024: Columbia College Chicago Highlights
This is everything attendees need to know before Columbia College Chicago’s Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.
Higher education leaders Nivine Megahed, president of National Louis University, and Raymond E. Crossman, president of Adler University, will be honored at the college’s 2024 Commencement ceremonies
Columbia College Chicago’s annual Manifest Arts Festival is a student-driven tradition that showcases the work of talented creatives across disciplines. Meet the team who is making Manifest into a reality.
Led by dedicated faculty, Columbia students journeyed to Austin for immersive experiences, collaborative projects, and valuable networking opportunities, reinforcing the institution's commitment to practical education and student success.
Silver Camera Awardee Dawoud Bey was honored at DARKROOM for lasting legacy on Columbia College Chicago’s Photography Department and the Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP) .
Columbia College Chicago’s C33 Gallery presents I Am, I Am, I Am, a two-person exhibition of work by Nora Benjamin and Arrietta van der Voort. Both photographers challenge gender roles and explore the internal experience of girlhood with their thought-provoking exhibit.
During Women's History Month, we honor female-identifying artists who make ShopColumbia a unique shopping experience in the heart of Columbia College Chicago’s campus.
Columbia College Chicago students got together in their Communication Department courses to discuss the details of the biggest night in advertising
Columbia College Chicago students take courses during January, or J-Term, that allow them to explore places such as Paris, Rome, and Buenos Aires, expanding their learning about culture, art, and themselves.
Columbia students are collaborating to present the inaugural Musical Theatre Dance Concert.
“Musher,” a film made by Columbia College Chicago alums, follows four women and their dogs as they prepare for an annual race in the upper peninsula of Michigan.
Unleashed 2023 took place at Columbia College Chicago on November 30, showcasing extraordinary student talent and raising more than $700,000 in scholarships. Departing from the traditional fundraiser format, the Student Center transformed into a multi-floor immersive arts showcase, exploring the theme of "Connecting" across various creative disciplines.
Apollo Baldoz ’09 was part of the design and animation team that created the visuals for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
Twenty-six Columbia College Chicago students made the animated short “Scream Writers” as part of the Animation program's capstone project.
Columbia College Chicago, in partnership with award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor, launched a community-based project series called Black Album Mixtape.
A range of performances and experiences showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Columbia worked in conjunction with the ARChive of Contemporary Music, Metro/smartbar, the Museum of Contemporary Photography and the Wabash Arts Corridor to honor women who created the mythology and iconography of popular music.
Six students win scholarships thanks to arts criticism and songwriting competitions, earning them spots on the popular podcast hosted by Associate Professor Jim DeRogatis and fellow music critic Greg Kot.
‘Animation Career Review’ announces 5th annual rankings in Illustration, with Columbia College Chicago topping the list.
The Spring 2023 campaign targets prospective students across the United States.
The “Animation Career Review's” annual rankings of game design schools and colleges places Columbia College Chicago among the top schools.
The “Animation Career Review's” annual rankings of animation schools and colleges places Columbia in the top 15 percent nationally.