In Their Words: 80 Years of Art Center

By Lara Warren and Mike Winder

I have a memory like an elephant. In fact, elephants often consult me.
– Noël Coward

Call us sentimental, but when it came time to celebrate Art Center’s 80th Anniversary, we at Outer Circle could think of no more appropriate way to commemorate the occasion than by meeting with alumni from Art Center’s five campuses and asking them to share with you their memories of the College.

For this story, we’ve assembled their recollections, along with a selection of historical photos, to give you a small sampling of the College’s history and the incredible alumni who call Art Center their alma mater. We hope you find them illuminating.

But here’s the important part: This is only the beginning. We want to hear your stories. Share with us your memories of Art Center and we’ll publish them right here in Outer Circle, in the Alumni News Online newsletter and beyond.

This article would not have been possible without the assistance of Robert Dirig, Art Center’s college archivist, who supplied us not only with the archival images you see here, but with many more that fueled our conversations with the alumni.

On a related note, above is a film directed by Broadcast Cinema alum Robert McClendon '07 and produced by Art Center Editor Vanessa Silberman in honor of our 80th anniversary, which premiered at our recent presidential inauguration.