New DFPA Chair Art Vidrine Shapes the Future of Arts Education Through Student Success

For (Arthur) Art Vidrine, Department of Fine and Performing Arts (DFPA) chair, the arts are more than performances, exhibitions and events. They’re a bold way to build community, spark conversations and create meaningful connections between people from different backgrounds and experiences. 

More than 450 undergraduates call DFPA home for the 2026-27 academic year. Vidrine, a multimedia artist and published critic, joined Bowie State ten years ago to teach the history of modern art. In the past decade, he has led courses in art history, 3D design, film and digital photography, experimental studio practices and classes focused on senior thesis projects while taking on progressively more teaching and administrative responsibilities. 

He stepped into his leadership role this year, and he has a broad vision to enrich DFPA scholars' educational experiences. While undergraduates have a mosaic of majors and concentrations to choose from, including theater arts, music technology, digital media arts, fashion design and advertising design, Vidrine wants to increase two-way dialogue to advance the school’s creative thinking and innovative spirit.  

“One of my biggest goals is to hear from students to learn what they really want from DFPA. What kinds of classes do they want to see? What kinds of workshops and activities do they hope to engage in? As a department, we also want to take a more targeted approach to help students graduate in four years and develop great portfolios that lead into jobs after graduation.” 

His philosophy aligns with the wide range of cultural programming at Bowie State. Students regularly interact with professional artists, scholars and performers whose work broadens their understanding of artistic practice and contemporary issues. 

On Oct. 3, DFPA hosted a symposium at the Dionne Warwick Theater featuring LaToya Ruby Frazier, an acclaimed artist who uses photography, video and performance to document social and racial injustice in America. Events like these provide Bulldogs with direct access to nationally recognized voices and introduce them to conversations that extend beyond the classroom. 

For Vidrine, these experiences are an important part of a student's development. 

"We want students to engage with artists and ideas that challenge them to think in new ways."  

While bringing distinguished artists to campus is important, Vidrine believes wider outreach is equally essential. Another strategic focus is maintaining and strengthening the university's ties to the surrounding area.  

“Through theater productions, artist talks, symposia and public events, I want the arts to be accessible, relevant and welcoming to audiences both on and off campus.” 

Bowie State welcomes community members to many of its productions, and Vidrine says that’s how art should function in the wider world. 

“The arts shouldn’t exist solely within university walls. Instead, it’s a powerful shared resource that welcomes and inspires the broader public. We benefit not only from performing and creating, but also from seeing how the arts can bring people together.” 

DFPA faculty and students often tailor performances to specific audiences. In recent years, Bowie State has partnered with the city of Bowie to help older adults attend theater productions on campus, cultivating engagement and enjoyment that might otherwise be out of reach. 

Bowie State also welcomes younger guests. In spring 2026, elementary students visited campus to enjoy "Three Little Birds," an interactive production co-directed by LaShay Fletcher, a BSU theatre major, and Professor Elena Velasco. Buses filled with children arrived to experience a live performance, many for the first time. 

Bulldogs benefit by gaining valuable experience presenting their work to diverse audiences. They learn to communicate through performance, collaborate with others and use creativity to engage people from different generations and backgrounds. 

Twice each year, in December and May, the campus is abuzz with capstone performances and projects by DFPA students, and all Bulldogs are welcome to participate and enjoy. 

“We exhibit senior theses from our Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts and studio art students, as well as fashion shows, music recitals, dance performances and theater productions. I want to help those who have traditionally been underrepresented in the art world to have a platform for their voices and perspectives to be heard, seen and felt.” 

Over the years, Vidrine developed a beneficial partnership with the nearby Bowie Center for Performing Arts, which is not affiliated with the university.  

“Approximately 10,000 guests a month from Prince George's County and the Washington-Baltimore area attend performances. This summer, six BSU studio art students displayed their paintings at an exhibition and held a panel discussion about their work and art’s impact on others.” 

As the university expands cultural curricula and programming, Vidrine is committed to ensuring the arts remain an open door, inviting all Bulldogs, families and community members to participate and discover something new. 

“I want to nurture our vibrant cultural environment and our curriculum so creativity can continue flourishing. And I’m excited to see what students and recent alumni create and accomplish as a product of their BSU training.”