125 Years of Art – 125 Years of Outreach
Congratulations are in order! Watkins College of Art, Design & Film recently began their 125th anniversary celebration with an evening of fine dining and entertainment by the famed Fisk Jubilee Singers. Included in the festivities was a silent auction featuring unique art and gift packages such as a stay in Orange Beach, tickets to the Frist Center and Nashville Symphony. Proceeds fund student scholarships and community outreach. Additional anniversary events continue through fall.
One hundred twenty-five years have brought change to Watkins, but the college remains committed to the vision of its founder, philanthropist and entrepreneur Samuel Watkins. Watkins, orphaned at four years of age, received no formal education and at one time was a bondservant. He envisioned a school that would provide affordable and accessible education for people wishing to better their lives. Thanks to his success in the masonry business, his dream became reality in 1885 with the construction of Watkins Institute.
While art has always been a defining focus for Watkins, contributing to the educational needs of the community is at the core of the school’s character. Nearly 350,000 men, women, and children have benefited. At the turn of the century Watkins provided free public education for Nashville’s youth while helping immigrants assimilate into American culture. In the 1930s and ‘40s Watkins prepared women to join the workforce and gave World War II veterans a venue for completing high school.
From its humble beginnings and through more than a century of change, Watkins College of Art, Design & Film has evolved into one of the finest art education facilities in the Mid South. Nationally accredited, this independent four-year college boasts an international student body and offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Film, Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, Interior Design and Photography, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Art and a Post-Graduate certificate in Film.
Watkins president Ellen L. Meyer expressed her enthusiasm on the growth of the school, “I am proud of the work of our students and inspired by their example. The artist, designer, and filmmaker are the visual voice of our culture. In Nashville, as we continue to grow as a creative center, Watkins College of Art, Design & Film is accepting its rightful place alongside the music industry contributing creatively and vibrantly to our community.”
Last month Watkins College of Art, Design & Film garnered a prestigious honor as the Nashville Film Festival’s 2010 Governor’s Award recipient. At the ADDY Awards, Graphic Design students claimed 10 Gold Awards, 14 Silver Awards, 2 Judges Favorite Awards, and the Best of Show Award. At the AIGA DISH 2010 Show they took Best of Show and Best in Branding.
Praise for this fine college just keeps coming while it continues to grow and expand. One thing remains constant, and that is the school’s commitment to community education. Whether it is part of the anniversary celebration or not, Middle Tennesseans of all ages always have access to art classes, lectures, and exhibits through Watkins College of Art, Design and Film.
For more information regarding upcoming events call Lisa Dill at 615-277-7403 or visit www.watkins.edu.
