JMU MFA graduate named VMFA Visual Arts Professional Fellow

Yuan’s award comes after three years of work pursuing her MFA at James Madison University, and she notes the SADAH community’s impact on her career. “Recalling my first year, stating that I wanted to create a world based on Chinese immigrant experiences, I am glad I accomplished that with the help of everyone I came across, including faculty, students and peers,” Yuan said. Her MFA education culminated with an incredible solo thesis exhibition, K(now)W(here), in the Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art. The exhibition featured work from Yuan’s time at James Madison and even highlighted the work that earned her the VMFA fellowship.

After graduating in May, Yuan plans to stay in Harrisonburg at James Madison University to teach as an instructor in SADAH’s Foundations department. “I experienced teaching in my third year of MFA and enjoyed being on the other side, watching students develop their artistic endeavors,” she shared. Yuan encourages her students to take advantage of the opportunities and time available to them. “JMU is highly equipped with tools, equipment and books to support students in doing all kinds of work they desire,” she said. “It’s the best time to make as much as possible.”