In 2021 plans were made to produce a book commemorating the 75th anniversary (1947–2022) of the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I have studied at the school, was expelled, taught in undergrad and grad, directed some conferences and co-founded five MFA programs during 54 of those precious years. So, it was particularly emotional for me to witness on a sunny, chilly April morning the unveiling of the sign designating 23rd Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue as SVA WAY.
“School of Visual Arts is an anchor for creativity and talent on the East Side,” said NYC Council Member Carlina Rivera. “Renaming a street in New York City is a long process that requires multiple approvals from the local Community Board, City Council and the Department of Transportation. With its international reach, notable alumni and contributions to New York City’s vibrant arts community, SVA has earned this recognition for 75 years of work.”
As for the book, it was conceived, designed and produced by the SVA Visual Arts Press. It too was a little late in coming … but spring has sprung; it is now published. I wrote the brief introduction for it—a version of which is excerpted below.
75 Years: A Foreword Retrospective
Imagine that 75 years ago Silas Rhodes and Burne Hogarth did not found the Illustrators and Cartoonists School in Midtown Manhattan.
How would the void have altered the creative arts in New York City, already becoming a wellspring of painting, graphic design, comics, advertising, photography and film in postwar America? What would become of all those creative people who were migrating to the city, poised to contribute to the cultural wealth and expressive bounty of the city, country and, doubtless, the world?
Conceive of an abyss—a black hole—in the hearts and minds of such a critical mass. Consider who would be missing from our collective sociocultural community. In fact, it’s unimaginable that the Illustrators and Cartoonists School could not have existed, because it would mean that the School of Visual Arts would not be here today. Nor would thousands of students/grads in degree and continuing education departments, hundreds of teachers who have shared their insights with those students and are instrumental in launching their careers, and countless lecturers and workshop leaders who have influenced multiple SVA generations in so many different ways.
Instead of a black hole, SVA is an active volcano, erupting and sending artists, designers and much more into the atmosphere.
