CVPA faculty

Syrian artist Abdulrahman Naanseh, known for his mastery of Arabic calligraphy, learned this craft with guidance from his father, a self-taught calligrapher. 
His dedication and gift led to notable achievements, including exhibitions at the Arneli Art Gallery during the Beit Misk Festival in Beirut and creating murals at Damascus University.

Jesse Cowan

Johnna Johnson joined Mason as the new Assistant Director of Development for the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and in this role she will be working closely with the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music and Friends of Music at Mason. 

Recognized in The New York Times as a "Super Lawyer" in the fields of Entertainment, Intellectual Property, and Artist Immigration, Brian is a partner in the performing arts and entertainment firm of Goldstein and Guilliams PLLC.

Award-winning cellist, Ismar Gomes, has performed internationally as a chamber musician, and soloist. Hailed for his “impressive virtuosity, energy, and a handsome tonal range” (Berkshire Review), he has established himself as a captivating young artist, delivering exciting and innovative performances.

Mallory Kimmel is a Washington-D.C.-based artist, who makes conceptual furniture to address exclusionary design practices. She focuses on disrupting loopholes used to deny human rights.

Dr. Barney became a licensed K-12 art teacher after earning his BFA in Printmaking & Drawing, as well as obtaining his credentials in Art and Spanish Teaching. His undergraduate degrees and MA degree (in Art Education) were issued by BYU in Utah, where he served as President of the Utah Art Education Association.

Most recently Valeria was an instructor at The Kirov Academy of Washington DC, during which time the school won best school two years in a row at the New York City YAGP.

Da’Shown Rawl studied Ballet and Modern at the Baltimore School of the Arts in Baltimore, Maryland. He is a graduate of the prestigious Dance Department of George Mason University.

Paul Damasco is a technical specialist within the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University. His specializations include Apple and Dell computer repair, university application support, remote support, and JAMF pro 300 certification for Apple systems administration.