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Founding of the Corcoran School of Art From its first days the gallery was a major attraction for art students, who came in growing numbers for the purpose of studying and copying the works of art on display. In 1877 a talented local painter named E.F. Andrews (1835-1915) began to offer these pilgrims free formal instruction in painting and drawing. The next year Mr. Corcoran gave additional funds “for the specific purpose of aiding in the establishing of a school of design in connection with the Gallery.” As the number of students increased to the point where they obstructed the public’s access to the works, the need for an alternative space for an art school was recognized. Corcoran’s will included a bequest for this purpose, and in 1889 construction began on a small building behind the gallery. The Corcoran School of Art officially opened its doors in 1890 with two instructors and forty students. The early 20th century saw rapid growth for the Corcoran School
of Art, and by the 1930s the School began to expand its programs
for the local community. Additions included Saturday classes for
youths, summer school, scholarship support, commercial art courses
(a pre-cursor to graphic design), ceramics, and a library. Beginning
in 1966, the schools granted degrees to full time students while
expanding the continuing education programs for the general public;
in 1978 the first BFA degree was awarded. The Corcoran School of
Art achieved full accreditation status in the 1980s, having already
been a member of the National Association of Schools of Art and
Design since the mid-1970s. In 1999, the School changed its name
to the Corcoran College of Art and Design and is Washington’s
only four-year accredited fine art institution. The BFA program
has been expanded to include concentrations in fine art, graphic
design, photography and photojournalism.
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