Arts & Entertainment

After 101 Years, Chicago’s American Academy of Art College to Close: ‘This Has Been a Heartbreaking Experience’

Students at the American Academy of Art College are pictured in a classroom in the 1940s. (Credit: American Academy of Art College)

The American Academy of Art College in Chicago announced Tuesday it is ceasing operations.

Founded in 1923, the private for-profit school at 332 S. Michigan Ave. built a reputation on preparing graduates for careers in art and illustration.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, we started to see a lower enrollment rate,” Director of Admissions Stuart Rosenbloom told WTTW News in an email.

He said the “heartbreaking” decision was made last month.

Historically, the curriculum at the academy emphasized painting and drawing from live models. Its students went on to impact American culture.

One notable graduate, Alex Ross, reimagined both Marvel and DC comics with his painterly approach.

“From my first week in the school, drawing from a live model was eye-opening. Coming from the Academy, I had the confidence of thinking that I’ve got a world of illustration history channeling through me,” Ross said in an interview with WTTW News in last year.

Another distinguished alumnus is Howard Terpning, the 96-year-old Oak Park native who created movie posters for “The Sound of Music,” “Doctor Zhivago” and “Cleopatra.”

“I knew I was going to be a figure painter and an illustrator, and so the American Academy was the logical choice,” Terpning told WTTW News in 2010.

Other graduates include Haddon Sundblom, who made the famous image of Santa Claus in Coca Cola ads, and Gil Elvgren, known for his paintings of pin-up models.

More recently, former student Shawn Michael Warren painted prominent figures such as Maya Angelou and exhibited at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.

Students at the American Academy of Art College are pictured during a life drawing class at the school in 1924. (Credit: American Academy of Art College)

But declining enrollment in the wake of the pandemic took its toll, as it has at other arts institutions.

In May, Philadelphia’s University of the Arts abruptly closed, ending a legacy that began in the 19th century. Last year, the U.S. college network known as “the Art Institutes” (no relation to Chicago’s museum or school) closed eight campuses after financial instability and loss of accreditation.

The school is working to help enroll current students at other institutions.

“The Academy has entered into an agreement with a local accredited art college to accept its students and expedite the admission and enrollment process for Fall 2024,” according to a news release. “The Academy is also providing support to its students regarding transfer options to other institutions where they can complete their academic programs.”

Columbia College Chicago is one of several institutions that will work with the students, Rosenbloom said.

He did not provide a precise number of students and staff affected by the closure.

“The Academy did everything possible to notify all of the faculty and students immediately after notifying the Higher Learning Commission, the Academy’s accrediting commission,” Rosenbloom said, adding: “The Academy is following the state and accrediting commission’s guidelines.”

In the wake of another arts institution closing its doors, Rosenbloom sees the impact of the school continuing.

“This has been a heartbreaking experience for everyone involved,” he said. “The school may be closing, but the legacy of the American Academy of Art College will certainly continue through its alumni and faculty.”

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