Virginia A. Orndorff Artist in Resident

Introducing the Orndorff Family

The Virginia A. Orndorff Artist-in-Residence Program is made possible through the generous support of Christopher N. Orndorff and Virginia A. Lescano (Virginia A. Orndorff).

Chris Orndorff is a seasoned investment executive with nearly three decades of global experience managing assets for major institutions. He currently serves as CEO of Cercano Management, LLC, and has held leadership roles at prominent firms including Vulcan Capital.

Virginia A. Lescano, a CSUN alumna and passionate visual artist, pursued a successful business and marketing career before dedicating herself full-time to fine art photography. Her deep appreciation for the arts and commitment to student success inspired the creation of this transformative program.

Virginia A. Orndorff Artist-in-Residence Program

The Virginia A. Orndorff Artist-in-Residence Program brings nationally recognized, innovative artists to CSUN’s Department of Art & Design. Designed to elevate student experiences and amplify the department’s reputation, the program offers immersive opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to engage directly with contemporary creative leaders.
Artists-in-Residence collaborate with students through critiques, career talks, workshops, and hands-on project apprenticeships, bridging classroom learning with real-world practice. Each residency culminates in a public event, such as an exhibition or performance, inviting the CSUN community and Los Angeles arts audiences to engage with the work.

In addition to campus programming, artists also connect with local middle and high schools by participating in campus recruitment events, expanding access to the arts and positioning CSUN as a vibrant cultural hub in the San Fernando Valley.