The First State's First Art College Opens
by Kirsten Schmidt

Art College Pic
The Delaware College of Art and Design.

Delaware College of Art and Design in Wilmington, Del., opens its doors to about 45 students in September, making it the state's first art college. It is a joint educational partnership between Pratt Institute in New York City and the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C.

The two-year college will offer associate degrees, or the option of transferring credits to the parent institutions for continuing studies leading to a bachelor's degree. The college's areas of concentration will be fine arts, graphic design, illustration and photography.

Delaware College of Art and Design is a product of Wilmington 2000, a group of business leaders whose mission is to revive the city's downtown area. Bill Wyer, senior vice president of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Delaware and former head of Wilmington 2000, was inspired by an article he read about an art college started in Savannah, Ga., which ignited growth in the city's downtown district. This growth impelled Wyer to propose the creation of a similar college in Wilmington to Wilmington 2000's board of directors.

So far, Wilmington 2000 has raised close to $5 million to fund the project. The five-story art deco building which houses the college belongs to the Wilmington Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO), a quasi-government agency, and will be leased virtually rent-free to the college for the next five years. Other area colleges have also donated non-monetary support, such as furniture and library privileges. James Lecky, director of the college, said, "I wasn't prepared for the level of support and encouragement the local community has shown for this. Creating the new school," he added, "is extremely exciting."

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the Delaware College of Art and Design at:
600 Market St.,
Wilmington, DE 19801;
(302) 425-2486.

Applications are being accepted for fall and spring semesters. Applicants within 200 miles of Wilmington must provide a portfolio for review. All other applicants must provide slides, and will be interviewed by telephone. The school requires high school transcripts in addition to SAT or ACT scores. Tuition is $9,000 per year; books, supplies and housing are not included. Financial aid is available.


Kirsten Schmidt is The Crafts Report's editorial assistant.