RIT College of Fine and Applied Arts records

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RITArc-0492

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The RIT College of Fine and Applied Arts records collection consists of various documents, exhibit programs, reports, and news clippings pertaining to programs related to Art and Design at RIT.

Dates

Creation: 1885-2011

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Historical Information: College of Fine and Applied Arts

The Fine Arts Department was established soon after the merging of the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute in 1902, although training in drawing and design was offered at the Mechanics Institute since 1885. Students experienced artistic, as well as practical training in designing for every form of applied art – such as architecture, advertising, illustration, and design. The Applied Arts (later becoming the School of Art and Design) became one of the most popular components of the first curriculum. This was, at least partially, due to the fact that it was the first program considered to be truly established for both female and male students at a time when institutions of higher education across the nation were reluctant about deciding to include women in their programs at all. The second division of the College of Fine and Applied Arts was the School for American Craftsmen. The college eventually merged into the College of Graphic Arts and Photography, later becoming the present College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Extent

2 Box(es) (2 document boxes)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

Materials related to the operations of the College of Fine and Applied Arts (CFAA) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). CFAA was officially established in 1960, although courses in art and design had been offered since the establishment of the early Mechanics Institute and Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute. The collection includes correspondence, office memos, promotional materials, prize competition information, course/program information, media clippings, and other related materials.