RIT 150th Anniversary Art Show collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RITArt-0006

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The RIT 150th Anniversary Art Show collection consists of works of art included in the title exhibit. The works, which used a variety of media and materials, were done by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) students and faculty members between 1891 and 1979. Some artists with items in the collection include Ralph Avery, Milton Bond, Alling Clements, Eugene Colby, Bob Conge, Byron Culver, Stan Gordon, Charles Horn, Clayton Knight, Elmer Messner, Clifford Ulp, John Wenrich, and Carl Zollo.

In addition to these works, the collection includes labels that were used during the exhibit. Most of these labels consist of photographs related to the artists and their time at RIT.

Dates

Creation: 1891-1979

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Historical Information: RIT 150th Anniversary Art Show

In 1979, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) celebrated its 150th anniversary. RIT can trace its origins to the founding of the Rochester Athenaeum in 1829. After joining with several different Rochester institutions during the 19th century, the Athenaeum finally merged with the Mechanics Institute (founded in 1885) in 1891 to form the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute (RAMI). RAMI changed its name to the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1944 to better reflect the Institute's role in the field of technical education.

The yearlong celebration included theater productions, concerts, ceremonies, and activities such as cooking demonstrations. Another such activity was an art show held from October 19 to November 28, 1979. The show featured 189 pieces of art created by RIT faculty and students during their time at RIT. All of the pieces on exhibit had been donated by the artists to the Institute over the years. Stanley H. Witmeyer, a former Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts, curated the show.

Extent

37.5 Linear Feet (11 lid boxes, 4 flat file drawers)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

Collection of artwork exhibited in the Rochester Institute of Technology's (RIT) 150th Anniversary Art Show. RIT celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1979. The collection includes works by both students and faculty done in a variety of media.

Arrangement

Materials in the collection are spread between 8 boxes and 3 flat file drawers. The items are arranged alphabetically by artist within each box and drawer.

Physical Location

C.S. South, Shelves 466, 473, 479, 485, 491, 546

C.S. North flat files, Drawers 7-10

Other Finding Aids

In addition to this finding aid, an inventory is available below. For more information, please contact the RIT Archive Collections.

RIT 150th Anniversary Art Show collection