A Look Back: Atlanta College of Art and the Legacy of SCAD Atlanta
The Atlanta College of Art (ACA) played a significant role in the city's artistic landscape for over a century. Founded in 1905, it operated as an accredited, private four-year art college until 2006, when it was absorbed by the Atlanta campus of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). This article explores the history of ACA, its impact on the art community, and the subsequent transition to SCAD Atlanta.
The Origins and Growth of the Atlanta College of Art
The story of ACA begins in 1905 with the formation of the Atlanta Art Association, which simultaneously established an art school and a museum. These institutions would later evolve into the Atlanta College of Art and the High Museum of Art, respectively. In 1928, Ben Shute, a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, joined ACA as an instructor, further shaping the school's artistic direction.
ACA achieved accreditation in 1949, marking a significant milestone in its development. In 1963, the college became an integral part of the Woodruff Arts Center, a multi-use complex in Midtown Atlanta that also houses the High Museum of Art, the Alliance Theater, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. This integration provided ACA students with unparalleled access to a wide range of artistic disciplines and resources.
Academic Programs and Campus Life at ACA
ACA offered a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in twelve specialized disciplines, including:
- Communication Design
- Drawing
- Electronic Arts
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
The college provided a comprehensive learning environment with facilities such as a library, electronic media center, studio and classroom spaces, photography darkrooms, exhibition spaces, and dormitory housing. Students also had access to a store that supplied textbooks, art supplies, and computer equipment.
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Student life at ACA was enriched by various activities, including internships, volunteer opportunities, clubs, and student government. The college also published ARTicles, an annual journal that focused on alumni news and general information about the college and its exhibitions.
Notable Graduates and Community Engagement
ACA produced a number of accomplished artists who have made significant contributions to the art world. Notable graduates include:
- Radcliffe Bailey (mixed media)
- Maia Kayser (computer animator)
- Lynn Marshall-Linnemeier (photography/painting)
- Maurice Novembre (animator)
- Kara Walker (mixed media)
In addition to its academic programs, ACA actively engaged with the local art community. The ACA Gallery, located in the Woodruff Arts Center, hosted rotating exhibitions featuring faculty, students, and local, regional, national, and international artists. Admission to the gallery was free, making art accessible to the public.
With the support of the Fulton County Arts Council, the Georgia Council for the Arts, and the city of Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs, ACA also administered and housed the Georgia Artists Registry, a collection of images and information about six hundred Georgia artists.
The Absorption by SCAD and the Rise of SCAD Atlanta
In 2006, the Atlanta College of Art was absorbed by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), leading to the establishment of SCAD Atlanta. SCAD, a private, nonprofit, accredited university, offers bachelor's and master's degrees in a wide range of artistic disciplines.
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SCAD Atlanta is located in Midtown, a vibrant neighborhood known for its arts, culture, food scene, and Fortune 500 companies. The campus provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a thriving creative environment.
SCAD Atlanta: Academics and Student Life
SCAD Atlanta offers a variety of academic programs, with popular majors including:
- Animation, Video Graphics and Special Effects
- Illustration
- Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
- Cinematography and Video Production
- Fashion and Apparel Design
- Interior Design
The university emphasizes hands-on learning and provides students with opportunities to build portfolios and professional networks. Faculty members bring real-world experience from their respective creative industries, offering practical advice and guidance to students.
Student life at SCAD Atlanta is vibrant and engaging, with numerous activities and events happening daily. The university strives to create a sense of belonging and independence within its students.
SCAD Reviews and Student Perspectives
Reviews of SCAD highlight the university's creative environment and supportive faculty. Students often praise the variety of academic programs and the hands-on learning opportunities. The campus is described as beautiful, contributing to the overall experience.
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However, some reviews also mention concerns regarding high tuition costs, administrative challenges, and housing issues. Some students feel that the school can feel more like a corporate entity at times. Despite these concerns, many students feel that the workload prepares them well for careers in their respective fields.
Overall, SCAD is considered a wonderful college that strives to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable school experience for its students. The university offers numerous opportunities to meet people and build professional connections.
SCAD: Admissions, Cost, and Graduation Rates
SCAD has a rolling admissions policy and an acceptance rate of 84%. The net price of attendance is approximately $46,524 per year, but the average total aid awarded is $13,243 per year.
SCAD's graduation rate is 70%, and 90% of graduates are employed one year after graduation. The median earnings five years after graduation are $48,615 per year.
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