About Us
 
artsbus is part of the program of the Department of Art and Visual Technology in the College of Visual & Performing Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
 
artsbus provides informed access to art exhibited outside of the DC area and helps participants focus on the most significant work by:

1. providing web site links to information about current exhibitions
2. distributing lists, maps, & articles about recommended exhibitions
3. showing informational videos on the bus, and by
4. offering on-site commentary by art professionals in guided tours of exhibitions

artsbus began in 1987 as a one day bus trip to New York city each term. Professor Jerry Clapsaddle founded the program and he developed it to its current form until his retirement in 2004. Artsbus now schedules 14 day buses over three trips each term, taking more than 1,000 people to New York City during the academic year. Day trips have also been made to Richmond & to Philadelphia.
 
artsbus staff of tour guides are primarily GMU faculty members in the Department of Art & Visual Technology. Our range of expertise is unusually wide. In addition to the traditional areas of drawing, photography, painting, printmaking, and sculpture, our staff includes professors and artists using new media, multimedia, performance, and digital arts. Additional tour guides include faculty members in the programs of Art History and New Century College at George Mason University.
 
artsbus opportunities include experiences in both the visual and performing arts. For example, GMU dance students attended the last performance of famed dancer/choreographer Lucinda Childs at the Kitchen performance space in Chelsea. Theatre students have been able to obtain last-minute discounted front row seats to a matinee performance of the restaged Broadway musical, Cabaret. Music students have met their opera instructor at Lincoln Center for a backstage tour and performance at the Metropolitan Opera.
 
artsbus also sponsors an Honors Seminar. Honors Students in AVT meet with artists and other art professionals at exhibitions or studios for discussions while in NYC. Artists participating in this program have included Emma Amos, Eleanor Antin, Mel Chin, Petah Coyne, Despina, Leon Golub, Meimaroglou, Dennis Oppenheim, Michael Rees, Tim Rollins & K.O.S, Carolee Schneemann and Michelle Stuart, Nancy Spero, and Betty Woodman.
 
Contact artsbus at pwinant@gmu.edu

Top Image: Students reflected in work of Robert Longo
Middle Image: Students' reflection in gallery window
Bottom Image: Students walking through streets of Chelsesa
photos: Juliane Kozel, GMU Art and Visual Technology Major