This collection contains ArtCenter exhibition invitations, announcement, posters, and catalogs from the early 1930s to the present. The collection did not come from one source, and was compiled from years of various exhibitions. In addition, the collection represents all of the ArtCenter galleries, although exhibitions from the Williamson Gallery make up most of the collection beginning in 1992.
Series 1 has materials from Art Center's main exhibits, featuring many prominent artists. Some of these exhibits are traveling, and some are curated by Art Center staff and guests. There is a gap in our collection between 1955 and 1976. An exhibit on Richard Avedon's photographs was an important event for Art Center, shown just two months after the opening of the Ellwood building in 1976. Also historical was the Christopher Le Brun exhibit in 1992 that launched the new Alyce de Roulet Williamson gallery. Beginning in the early 2000s we began more partnerships with other Pasadena institutions, such as with Neuro, 2003 and ear(th), 2004 (both collaborations with Caltech), The Universe, 2001 (with related exhibits around Pasadena), and In the Dermisphere, 2007 (part of a Pasadena festival: SKIN: Art and Ideas).
Series 2 contains invitations and announcements for student exhibits from 1934 - 2004. The early records are mostly for an annual exhibit of student work from all departments. Most of the later records are for individual student MFA shows. This series is incomplete and contains records that were gathered together in 2003. Other materials for student shows may be found in individual department collections. The regular Grad Show announcements are found in the Graduation collection.
