Art courses have been taught at the University of Akron since its inception as Buchtel College in 1870. The 1872 catalogue lists courses in “ornamental branches”, painting and drawing. In the 1890s offerings increased to include painting on satin, velvet or plush and evening courses were offered for the first time. The first department of art, offering education and liberal arts degrees, was founded in 1919. By 1963 the art department had added sculpture, printmaking and ceramics and had a Chairman, Dr Emily Davis, assisted by five faculty members.
Originally art classes were held in the basement of old Buchtel Hall with subsequent moves to Curtis College, Phillips Hall, a Quonset hut left over from World War II, the old Bierce Library, Schrank Hall, Service Building #1, and Van Devere Hall. In 1985 we moved to our current 67,000 square foot building named for Harold and Catherine Folk. We were accredited by NASAD in 1979 and became a School of Art in 1986.
The study of art has a long tradition at the University of Akron. Art classes were first offered in 1872, and the department was officially created in 1919. In 1997, the School of Art was named for Mary Schiller Myers, an alumna who is well known and highly regarded throughout the art world as an advocate and patron of the arts. Mrs. Myers earned her BA degree at the University of Akron and a masters degree in art history from Kent State University. She was awarded an honorary doctorate for her lifetime of improving the culture of our region. Mrs. Myers has served on the boards and committees of many arts organizations, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Art Museum in New York City, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Both Mr. and Mrs. Myers have been longtime supporters of students and programs at the School of Art.
We currently have about 500 student majors and more than 800 enrolled students in ten undergraduate degree programs and two master degree programs.
