90th Anniversay
From Otis History
Otis College of Art and Design will turn 90 in 2008. Anniversary festivities began in 2006 with a large-scale exhibition, Otis: Nine Decades of Los Angeles Art, that surveyed the art legacy of the College. Included in upcoming anniversary celebrations will be a documentation of the impact of its successful curricular expansion into design in recent decades. As the first independant professional school of art in Southern California, Otis has played an important role in shaping the city’s culture. Nimble and entrepreneurial, the College’s curriculum has evolved over time. As Otis responds to the needs of its students and changing conditions, it nurtures an ever-widening community of creative professionals. This special birthday celebrates what the College is all about and what it does best: educating diverse art and design talents to enrich our world with their creativity, their skills, and their vision.
Otis ultimately measures its success by the contribution of its graduates to our cultural, social and economic life. Therefore, achievements of current students and alumni around the world are especially gratifying to note. Over the years, Otis has charted the development of art and design in Los Angeles and radiated its influence from this Southern California epicenter.
The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs recognized Otis’ close relationship with the cultural life of the city by co-presenting its 90th anniversary exhibition, Otis: Nine Decades of Los Angeles Art at the Barnsdall Municipal Art Gallery. The spring Pompidou Center exhibition, Los Angeles – Paris, 1955 - 1985, examines the L.A. art scene and naturally includes many Otis alumni and faculty members. While many started as home-grown talents, Otis graduates are now among the who’s who in design and fine arts globally.
Just as Los Angeles is ascending in substance and stature as a worldwide cre ative capital, Otis has become a leading L.A. art school of national and international significance. This magazine highlights evidence of Otis’ distinguished faculty at work; model educational programs with a real-world orientation; innovative approaches to technology; thought-provoking public programs; and recognition of student talent by the professions. Future editions will include remarkable alumni stories, award-winning student performances, exclusive workplace internships, new models of curricular programs, provocative thought pieces and expanded student services. Stay tuned!
As Otis advances toward its first full century of service, we can look back in pride to its numerous accomplishments, admire its current rigor, and anticipate even greater things to come.
- Samuel Hoi, President (President's Message, O-Mag, Vol. 1, 2006)
