University of Southern California - El Rodeo Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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College of F ine Arts QQ NLY the best is worth While is the motto which was adopted as the watchword of the College of Fine Arts at its flag raising in September, l90l, when the first section of the present plan of build- ings was finished and opened to students for the first time. The real birth of the College dates back to 1897, and the first graduates Cthere were only three of themj received their diplomas in 1900. The College had existed as an institution for some years in connection with the art classes of the College of Liberal Arts, with headquarters in the Blanchard building and classrooms on the top floor of the old university building. The creation of an art atmosphere in an inartistic community cannot be accomplished without much time and effort. It was necessary to produce first an environment of beautiful things, to stimulate the love for beautiful things and to get together people who love and practice nrt for its own sake. Bohemianism, as a necessary adjunct of art, is a myth. A Bohemian rarely arrives anywhere except at the 7 by 9 feet to which all men are finally entitled, but a spirit of comradeship in the mutual enthusiasm for art and a humming, booming activity in the making of things worth While produce a state of mind which is a joy in itself and becomes a contagion which makes the ideal school of art an environment much to be desired. That this has been accomplished, all who come within the range of the influence of the College of Fine Arts readily proclaim. The willing helpfulness and unselfish goodfellowship prevailing among the students prove that the mutual love and practice of art forms a magnet which robs study of all its drudgery. The situation of the College buildings is in itself an inspiration to work. The nearness of the choicest section of the Arroyo Seco with its perennial stream and groves and hills, the easy accessibility of a great wealth of paintable material form in themselves a stimulus and an important asset. Three years ago the building was burned to the ground, with its thirty years' accumulation of art treasures, its library, pictures, musical instruments and statu- ary. It was impossible to replace all the quaint and unique creations of the past years, but today the rebuilt school is, in all of its vital needs, better prepared than ever before for the training of the generations to come. Only the best is worth while is still the motto and guiding principle of the school. WILLIAM Lens JUDSON. 23 ,agi ng Qigg,

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WILLIAM LEES JUnsoN Dean College of Fine Art.:

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BEULAH Wnxcm Dean College of Oratory