Oral histories were conducted by Avis Berman for the National Academy of Design from 2002-2007. The comprehensive interviews are with Academy members and cover all aspects of the artists' lives, including family, early life, beginning career, mentors, contemporaries, influences, patrons, awards, residencies, as well as the artists' relationships with the Academy. Some oral histories were untaken by the Abbey Fund, and deal at length with the artists' murals, including Ellen Lanyon and Richard Haas. Some narrators played an active role in the Academy, occupying leadership positions on the board or various committees. The interview transcripts provide first-hand accounts of the Academy, particularly from circa 1940 up to the time of the interview. Topics addressed include the Academy's history, reputation, place in the 20th century art world, race and diversity, projects and initiatives, funding, and leadership.
Collection Restrictions:
This bulk of this collection is open for research. Access to original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C. Research Center.
Collection Rights:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Collection Citation:
National Academy of Design records, 1817-2012. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
