Programs

Weber State University’s Department of Visual Arts and Design has hosted many renowned artists and scholars over the years, including Eleanor Antin, Janine Antoni, Lynda Benglis, Mel Chin, Rackstraw Downes, Guillermo Galindo, Nan Goldin, Hans Haacke, Edgar Heap-of-Birds, Alfredo Jaar, Joseph Kosuth, Annette Lemieux, Lucy Lippard, James Luna, Richard Prince, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Alison Saar, Roger Shimomura, Robert Storr, Marcia Tucker, Emmi Whitehorse, and Fred Wilson. 

Visiting artists give a public talk and sometimes meet with students for critiques or workshops.

The Shaw Gallery and Dumke Plaza are also sites for creative events and wellness programs such as dance, music, and theatre performances, readings of poetry and prose, film screenings, tai chi, and more. Both locations are part of the city’s monthly First Friday Art Stroll. 

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Banner image: Participants at the When Waves Return event at Dumke Arts Plaza on July 19, 2025. Photo by Andrea Ferber.

Visiting Artist Lecture by Jacobo Alonso

Join us for a Visiting Artist Lecture with Jacobo Alonso on Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m. in Kimball Arts Room 143.

Alonso’s multidisciplinary practice—spanning sculpture, installation, and socially engaged projects—examines systems of power, migration, labor, and the human cost embedded within political language, often transforming official documents and materials into tactile, thought-provoking works.

Visiting Artist Lecture by Mark Menjívar

Join us for an artist talk with Mark Menjívar, a San Antonio–based artist whose socially engaged, research-driven practice uses photography, archives, and community participation to explore power, labor, and everyday life.

His thoughtful practice has brought conversations about food, memory, migration, and social justice into galleries and public spaces across the country.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear him speak Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Hetzel-Hoellein room at Stewart Library!

Visiting Artist Lecture by Camille Hoffman

Join us Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. in Kimball Arts 143 for an artist talk with Camille Hoffman, whose layered, mixed-media practice reimagines landscape, identity, and history.

This event is presented in collaboration with Ogden Contemporary Arts in conjunction with their new RECLAMATION exhibition featuring Hoffman’s immersive work exploring heritage and land.

Free and open to the public.. Learn more about RECLAMATION here

Tai Chi in the Gallery

Tai Chi returns for the Spring '26 semester with James Shook! We are alternating Thursday 4–5 p.m. and noon–1 p.m. sessions throughout the semester (no class the week of Spring Break — March 5).

4–5 p.m. dates:
Jan. 29 • Feb. 12 • Feb. 26 • March 12 • March 26 • Apr. 9 (final session)

Noon–1 dates:
Feb. 5 • Feb. 19 • March 19 • Apr. 2

Find your flow on the days that work for you ✨