Vermont College of Fine Arts Programs: Nurturing Artistic Excellence

Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) stands as a national center dedicated to arts education. The college's mission revolves around fostering artistic excellence in both emerging and established artists, and advancing the arts to contribute to a more humane world. VCFA prioritizes the creative expression of individuals and cultivates a thriving sense of community. For seventy years, Vermont College has been a site for progressive education.

VCFA seeks to shape the global future of the arts with an emphasis on excellence that allows its members to reach for the highest artistic standards as individuals while recognizing that the arts are one of the foundations of a healthy and creative society. The college attracts national and international leaders in the arts who gather to teach, exhibit, and perform their work.

A Legacy of Progressive Education

Tracing its roots back to the Newbury Seminary, which opened in Newbury, Vermont, in 1834, Vermont College of Fine Arts has a rich history. The seminary moved to Montpelier in 1868. Over the years, it evolved through various forms, including a Wesleyan Seminary and a Methodist Seminary, operating under the name Montpelier Seminary. In 1941, it transitioned into Vermont Junior College, later becoming Vermont College in 1958.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Programs

VCFA offers a range of MFA programs designed to provide students with adaptability through independent, guided study. The college's curriculum structure culminates in a robust, immersive, in-person experience as a capstone for each term. Students earn their graduate degrees through self-designed study paths, flexible scheduling, and personalized attention through one-on-one guidance with a faculty mentor.

Writing

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing program was established in 1981.

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Visual Art

The MFA in Visual Art program was established in 1991.

Writing for Children & Young Adults

Recognized as the first "MFA program in writing for young readers," the MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults program commenced in January 1997.

Music Composition

In 2011, VCFA expanded its offerings with the launch of an MFA in Music Composition program.

Graphic Design

Also in 2011, the college introduced an MFA in Graphic Design program.

Film

The MFA in Film program was established in 2013.

Writing and Publishing

In 2014, VCFA began the residential MFA in Writing and Publishing.

Art & Design Education

The Graduate Studies in Art & Design Education Program was established in 2015.

Unique Curricular Structure

VCFA distinguishes itself through its unique curricular structure, offering adaptability for students via independent, guided study. This approach is complemented by immersive, in-person experiences that serve as capstones for each term. Students have the opportunity to tailor their graduate studies through self-designed paths, flexible scheduling, and personalized guidance from faculty mentors.

Faculty Highlights

VCFA boasts a distinguished faculty comprising accomplished artists and educators. Among them:

Humberto Ramirez: Co-Chair of the MFA in Visual Art program, an interdisciplinary artist whose work has been featured at MoMA, MASS MoCA, and international digital festivals.
Tasheka Arceneaux-Sutton: Faculty member.
Mary Quattlebaum: Faculty member.
Louise Hawes: Faculty member.
Anica Mrose Rissi: Faculty member.

News and Events

VCFA remains active with various news and events, including:

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VCFA Writers' Conference at CalArts: An event held in February.
Katherine Paterson Endowed Chair & Faculty Development Fund: A recent development.
Andrew Ramsammy Announced as Third VCFA President: Announced on September 15, 2025.
Tune In: VCFA’s New Community Assembly Series: Announced on September 15, 2025.
Heidi Mohlman Tringe Appointed as Chair of the VCFA Board of Trustees: Announced on September 15, 2025.

Alumni Success

VCFA takes pride in the accomplishments of its alumni, who have achieved recognition in various fields.

brandon brown (W '23): Received the PEN America Short Story Award.
VCFA's Three 2025 GDUSA Students to Watch: Recognition of student talent.

Learning Hub

VCFA provides resources and insights through its Learning Hub, which features articles and discussions on topics relevant to artists and writers. Recent articles include:

Southern California’s Newest MFA: VCFA launches Southern California’s newest low-residency MFA on the CalArts campus, offering flexible nine-day residencies, six disciplines, and growing interdisciplinary collaboration (September 16, 2025).
How to Write Faster From a Very Slow Writer: (April 30, 2025)
Scoring a Movie: Lessons Learned from THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES and Other Adventures: (May 13, 2025)
Artist Grants: What They Are, Where to Find Them, and How to Apply: (August 1, 2025)

A Hub for Artistic Growth

Vermont College of Fine Arts fosters a dynamic environment where artists can hone their skills, explore their creative potential, and connect with a vibrant community. Through its diverse MFA programs, dedicated faculty, and commitment to progressive education, VCFA continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of the arts.

Notable Alumni

VCFA has a long list of successful alumni, including:

Roxane Gay: Award-winning author and cultural critic.
Lou Mathews: Author.
Wally Lamb: Author.
M.T. Anderson: Author.

Additional Alumni

brandon brown (W '23)
Allison Adelle Hedge Coke
Olena Kalytiak Davis
Alison Hawthorne Deming
Frank Giampietro
Pamela Harrison
Patricia Spears Jones
Alyce Miller
David Mura
Jamie Parsley
Bill Rasmovicz
Tim Seibles
Betsy Sholl
Jennifer K. Sweeney
Marjorie Welish
Valerie Wohlfeld
Tracy Krumm
Kapulani Landgraf
Don Swartzentruber
Julie Berry
Mary Clyde
René Colato Laínez
Carolyn Crimi
LeAnne Howe
Martine Leavitt
Jo-Ann Mapson
Yamile Saied Méndez
An Na
Elizabeth Powell
Melissa Pritchard
Kali White VanBaale
Deborah Wiles
Ibi Zoboi
Mark Cox

Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) as an Affiliate of CalArts

Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) is a private college that is an affiliate of the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).

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