To the leadership of Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, and the VCU Board of Visitors,
We, the undersigned artists, designers, educators, students, alumni, and supporters of the craft field, write to express our deep concern regarding the recent decision to pause graduate admissions to the Furniture Design concentration at VCUarts and the non-renewal of the wood program’s sole full-time faculty member, Annie Evelyn.
These actions raise serious concerns about the future of wood-based study at VCUarts and the broader implications for Craft education.
The decision to release a faculty member of this stature is not only troubling, but signals a fundamental disconnect between the institution’s stated values of excellence and its actions.
We are concerned by VCU’s messaging that suggests continuity in faculty and program structure while significant changes such as the non-renewal of key faculty and the pausing of admissions indicate otherwise. Transparency is essential to maintaining trust with students, alumni, and the broader field.
The impact of these decisions extends beyond a single program. It affects the pipeline of future educators and practitioners in wood and furniture design.
We respectfully urge VCUarts to:
- Reinstate and support the Furniture Design / Wood concentration with dedicated faculty and resources
- Engage transparently with students, faculty, alumni, and the broader craft community about the future of the program
- Recognize the national and international impact of decisions made at VCUarts on the field of craft
We stand in support of the VCU wood program and the continued presence of rigorous, Craft education.
Sincerely,
The undersigned