Academy of Art University existed because of creativity and innovation. It was established since 1929 by Richard S. Stephens, art director for Sunset Magazine. He founded Academie of Advertising Art along with his wife Ciara Stephens at 215 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA with a pilot of 45 students. On 1946, the academy moved to 740 Taylor Street with 250 students. They also launched fresh courses in advertising, fashion illustration, cartooning, layout and lettering as well as commercial art. On 1971, the academy offered its first graduate program and offered a Master of Fine Arts degree. Over the years, they have acquired several accreditation such as from NASAD (National Association of Schools of Arts and Design). Currently it is being led by Dr. Elisa Stephens, the granddaughter of the school’s founder. She helped the academy become more digital and shifted to a much more sustainable practices. Currently, the University is the largest private school of art and design in the country.
Here are some of the quick facts about the academy:
- They have been offering an innovative online arts education since 2002.
- They have hold 70 student and alumni art shows and gallery exhibitions in San Francisco area each year.
- The university has been represented by students over 112 countries.
- There are 17 housing facilities all over San Francisco where students can thrive.
- The academy has 16 fierce intercollegiate teams for the NCAA sports program.
Apart from that, they were the first university that has been invited to showcase student work at New York Fashion Week held biannually. Also, the academy’s athletics became the first ever program in the history of the NCAA to bag the National Championship (Women’s Track & Field) in its first year of eligibility. The university also boast notable alumni such as Deanne Fitzmaurice who won Pulitzer Prize in 2005 for her photo essay on an Iraqi child’ warn torn experiences as well as Cristina Palomo Nelson who is the co-founder of Freda Salvadore, a popular shoe label.
Sounds like a great school! And with lots of accomplishments!
Sounds like a good school for people interested in cutting edge arts.
Sounds like a good school with a variety of courses, activities and achievements
Good recommendation, and at such a culturally rich location!
Wow! Students in 112 countries! That is impressive O_O!
Such an impressive list of accomplishments from a school that started so small.
This sounds like a great school. Looking forward to knowing more of this. We are planning to move to San Francisco and actually for School of Arts.
It really sounds like a great school for kids and having a lot of accomplishments is a plus for them.
Online arts education sounds fascinating. I’d love to hear more about that.
This sounds like a really good school indeed. I love that their are places dedicated to art specifically!
Online arts education sounds very interesting and I would love to know more about this academy.
I would love to learn more about this, sounds pretty interesting.
I always love art since I was a kid. But I studied business instead of art since I know I’m not that good lol. Thank you for sharing this info!
Oh very interesting! I’ve been meaning to learn to draw forever, but just never the time to attend traditional classes. This is a good option!
I haven’t been to SF in years! I miss it and need to go back!
This school is going to put you at an edge over the others. I always choose schools that would offer skills that would help my kids build their careers.
wow sounds like a really interesting school. i’m sure they help so many kids.
The academy of art seems like a place where students can really learn and express themselves. A lot of people will benefit from this.
I love that education these days has the option to be online. I think that is so convenient for those who would have a hard time getting back and forth to a traditional campus.
I would love to check that place out. Art is something my family has always been into.
Excited about all these accomplishments. You’re an inspiration
Sounds like an amazing place to get an education! Such great opportunities for students!
Our oldest daughter loves to draw and she is really good at it too! This looks like a great place to check out. Thanks for sharing.
Looks like a great school with a lot of wonderful opportunities! Thanks for sharing!