California College of the Arts

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California College of the Arts
California College of the Arts seal.svg
Former name
School of the California Guild of Arts and Crafts (1907–1908),
California School of Arts and Crafts (1908–1935),
California College of Arts and Crafts (1936–2002)
Type Private art school
Established1907;118 years ago (1907)
Endowment $36.0 million (2019) [1]
President David C. Howse
Academic staff
500
Students1,390
Undergraduates 1,063
Postgraduates 327
Location
San Francisco
,
California
,
United States
Campus Urban
4 acres (1.6 ha)
Colors New teal, paper white, black    
Website cca.edu
California College of the Arts logo.svg
California College of the Arts

The California College of the Arts (CCA) is a private [2] art school in San Francisco, California. It was founded in Berkeley, California in 1907 and moved to a historic estate in Oakland, California in 1922. In 1996, it opened a second campus in San Francisco; in 2022, the Oakland campus was closed and merged into the San Francisco campus. CCA enrolls[ when? ] approximately 1,239 undergraduates and 380 graduate students. [3]

Contents

History

Treadwell Mansion (Oakland, CA) Treadwell Mansion (Oakland, CA).JPG
Treadwell Mansion (Oakland, CA)
The CCA campus in San Francisco's design district (in the foreground below) California College of the Arts, San Francisco campus (2019) -1.jpg
The CCA campus in San Francisco's design district (in the foreground below)

CCA was founded in 1907 by Frederick Meyer in Berkeley as the School of the California Guild of Arts and Crafts during the height of the Arts and Crafts movement. The Arts and Crafts movement originated in Europe during the late 19th century as a response to the industrial aesthetics of the machine age. Followers of the movement advocated an integrated approach to art, design, and craft. [4] The initial campus was in the "Studio Building" at 2045 Shattuck Avenue, and they had forty three enrolled students. [5]

In 1908 the school was renamed California School of Arts and Crafts. In 1910, the school moved to the site of the former Berkeley High School building at 2119 Allston Way (at Grove Street, now Martin Luther King Way). [5]

The college's Oakland campus location was acquired in 1922, when Meyer bought the four-acre James Treadwell estate at Broadway and College Avenue. Two of its buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. [6] After the San Francisco campus opened, the Oakland campus housed the more traditional, craft-based studios such as art glass, jewelry and metal arts, printmaking, painting, sculpture and ceramic programs.

In 1936, it became the California College of Arts and Crafts (CCAC). [7] [8] In 1940 a Master of Fine Arts program was established. [9]

In the 1980s, the college began renting various locations in San Francisco, and in 1996 it opened a campus in the city's Design District, converting a former Greyhound maintenance building. [10]

21st century and modern history

In 2003, the college changed its name to California College of the Arts, under the leadership of president Michael S. Roth. [7] [11]

In 2016, it was decided to close the Oakland campus and consolidate all activities at the San Francisco campus. The final day of classes at Oakland was May 6, 2022. The college said it will "redevelop the campus with community gathering spaces, affordable housing, office space for arts nonprofits and bike parking while preserving the campus’s cluster of historic buildings and trees." [12] In fall 2024, the college completed its expanded campus, adding 82,300 square feet of new space for teaching, making, and presenting art in a continuous indoor-outdoor environment.

Clifton Hall, one of the dormitories at the Oakland campus, was bought by the city of Oakland to use for public housing. [13] Other parts of the Oakland campus remained unused in 2024, with plans to create a mixed-use development with hundreds of residential units. [14]

In 2025, Nvidia co-founder and owner, Jensen Huang matched the $22.5 million already raised in donations, allowing CCA to fill the budget shortfall [15]

List of presidents

  1. Frederick Meyer (1907–1944) [8] [16]
  2. Spencer Macky (1944–1954) [17]
  3. Daniel S. Defenbacher (1954–1957) [18] [19]
  4. Joseph A. Danysh (acting; 1957–1959) [19] [20] [21]
  5. Henry X. Ford (1960–c. 1985) [22] [23]
  6. Neil Hoffman (1985–1994) [24] [25]
  7. Lorne Michael Buchman (1994–1999) [11] [26] [27]
  8. Michael S. Roth (2000–2007) [28]
  9. Stephen Beal (2008–2023) [29]
  10. David C. Howse (2023–present) [29]

Academics

Montgomery Building, San Francisco campus Montgomery Building, California College of the Arts.jpg
Montgomery Building, San Francisco campus
The Simpson Family Makers Building designed by Studio Gang CCA Dec 21 2024 1.jpg
The Simpson Family Makers Building designed by Studio Gang

CCA offers 17 undergraduate and 10 graduate majors. [30] In 2021, CCA unveiled a BFA in Comics. [31] CCA confers the bachelor of fine arts (BFA), bachelor of arts (BA), bachelor of architecture (BArch), master of fine arts (MFA), master of arts (MA), master of architecture (MArch), master of advanced architectural design (MAAD), masters of design (MDes) [30] and master of business administration (MBA) degrees.

In the U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2020, CCA ranked #10 in the country for graduate fine arts programs, [32] and #4 in graphic design [33] . PayScale lists[ when? ] CCA as the #1 art school in the United States for return on investment and #4 for average alumni salary (bachelor's degree). [34] [35] The average class size is 13 for undergraduate programs and 12 for graduate. [36] The student to faculty ratio is 8:1. [36]

CCA is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

Architecture Division

The Architecture Division at the California College of the Arts (CCA) offers accredited undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing design excellence, environmental responsibility, and social engagement. The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and Master of Architecture (M.Arch) programs are both accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). [37] [38]

The division’s curriculum integrates architectural theory, digital fabrication, and community-based practice. Students may pursue focused study through concentrations such as Digital Craft, Urban Works, and History/Theory/Experiments, supported by labs and research centers including the Digital Craft Lab, Urban Works Agency, and the Architectural Ecologies Lab. [39] These initiatives explore relationships between design, ecology, and technology, often engaging with local Bay Area environments and public institutions. [40]

In 2024, CCA opened a major campus expansion designed by Studio Gang, unifying its San Francisco facilities around a central "maker spine" that connects fabrication shops, classrooms, and outdoor work areas. [41] [42] [43] The hybrid mass timber structure emphasizes daylighting, carbon reduction, and material innovation, aligning with the school’s long-term sustainability goals. [44] [45] Architectural publications have cited the project as representative of CCA’s pedagogical commitment to experimental building and environmental design. [46]

The division maintains active research partnerships with local and international organizations. The Architectural Ecologies Lab (AEL), for example, collaborates with scientists and fabricators to explore coastal resilience, buoyant ecologies, and ecological design systems. In 2021, the lab announced an Academic Alliance with Autodesk Technology Centers to advance digital and material research. [47] [48]

CCA architecture students and faculty have received recognition in professional publications and competitions. In 2025, three students were named to the Metropolis Future 100, highlighting emerging designers in North America. [49] Faculty-led projects such as Buoyant Ecologies and design-build studios have been featured in Metropolis, Dezeen, and Architectural Record for their contributions to sustainable and experimental design. [50]

In 2023, the college announced new leadership appointments across architecture and design, reflecting an ongoing institutional investment in the division’s growth and pedagogy. [51] The Architecture Division continues to play a central role in CCA’s identity as a hub for experimental, interdisciplinary, and socially responsive design education.

Notable people

References

  1. ↑ As of June 30, 2019. "U.S. and Canadian 2019 NTSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2019 Endowment Market Value, and Percentage Change in Market Value from FY18 to FY19 (Revised)". National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  2. ↑ "Explore California College of the Arts". Niche. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  3. ↑ "California College of the Arts (CCA) Overview". US News. Archived from the original on April 17, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  4. ↑ Edwards, Robert W. (2012). Jennie V. Cannon: The Untold History of the Carmel and Berkeley Art Colonies, Vol. 1. Oakland, Calif.: East Bay Heritage Project. pp. 79–86, 102, 688. ISBN   9781467545679. An online facsimile of the entire text of Vol. 1 is posted on the Traditional Fine Arts Organization website ( "Jennie V. Cannon: The Untold History of the Carmel and Berkeley Art Colonies, vol. One, East Bay Heritage Project, Oakland, 2012; by Robert W. Edwards". Archived from the original on April 29, 2016. Retrieved June 7, 2016.)
  5. 1 2 "Glance by California College of the Arts". issuu.com. October 10, 2007. pp. 8–9. Retrieved March 27, 2024– via Issuu.
  6. ↑ "Treadwell Mansion & Carriage House". Oakland Wiki. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  7. 1 2 "College Milestones". California College of the Arts. Archived from the original on July 7, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  8. 1 2 "California School of Arts and Crafts becomes California College of Arts and Crafts". Oakland Tribune. April 19, 1936. p. 18. Retrieved March 27, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  9. ↑ Catalogue for 1942-1942 California College of Arts and Crafts. Oakland, California: California College of Arts and Crafts. 1942. p. 7.
  10. ↑ Le, Anh-Minh (July 5, 2013). "CCA a seat of Calif. furniture design". SFGATE. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  11. 1 2 Bonetti, David (March 31, 2000). "CCAC names Roth its 8th president". SFGATE . Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  12. ↑ Cabanatuan, Michael (May 6, 2022). "California College of the Arts bids farewell to Oakland". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  13. ↑ King, John. "How a stylish Oakland dorm has become much-needed homeless housing". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  14. ↑ Orenstein, Natalie (February 7, 2024). "Hundreds of homes could replace California College of the Arts campus in Rockridge". The Oaklandside. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  15. ↑ "Nvidia boss saves California College of the Arts with mega donation". February 20, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Founder's Day at California College of Arts and Crafts". Media Burn Archive (video). 1972. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  17. ↑ CCAC the Art College in the Community. the Press of the California College of Arts and Crafts. pp. 16–17. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Oakland, Berkeley to Honor New CCAC Head at Banquet". Oakland Tribune . October 17, 1954. p. 75. Retrieved March 27, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  19. 1 2 "College Art News" . College Art Journal. 17 (1): 76–84. September 1, 1957. doi:10.1080/15436322.1957.10795857. ISSN   1543-6322. Daniel S. Defenbacher has resigned as President of the California College of Arts and Crafts. Joseph A. Danysh has been named Acting President
  20. ↑ Hughes, Edan Milton (1986). Artists in California, 1786-1940. Hughes Publishing Company. p. 361. ISBN   978-0-9616112-0-0 – via Google Books.
  21. ↑ "Joseph Danysh Returns to Bay, Scene of Early Triumphs". Oakland Tribune . August 4, 1957. p. 104. Retrieved March 27, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  22. ↑ "Ford Named Arts, Crafts College Head". Oakland Tribune . March 31, 1960. p. 36. Retrieved March 27, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  23. ↑ "H.X. Ford Gets Presidency of Arts College". Oakland Tribune . August 9, 1959. p. 25. Retrieved March 27, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
  24. ↑ "MIAD goes to L.A. for its new president". OnMilwaukee. March 28, 2007. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  25. ↑ "Hoffman Quits As Head Of Art Institute School". Chicago Tribune . April 2, 1985. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  26. ↑ Baker, Kenneth (March 18, 2000). "CCAC Appoints New President". SFGATE . Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  27. ↑ "Lorne Buchman Named President Of Pasadena Art Center College Of Design". Artforum . July 9, 2009. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  28. ↑ "California College Of The Arts Names Stephen Beal President". Artforum . May 15, 2008. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  29. 1 2 Bravo, Tony (October 25, 2023). "California College of the Arts announces new president". Datebook, The San Francisco Chronicle . Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  30. 1 2 "Two new graduate programs, starting fall 2015". Art & Education. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  31. ↑ "Comics". CCA. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  32. ↑ "Best Art Schools - Best Fine Arts Programs". U.S. News & World Report.
  33. ↑ "Best Art Schools - Best Graphic Design Programs". U.S. News & World Report.
  34. ↑ "Best Value Art Colleges". Payscale.
  35. ↑ "Best Art Colleges". Payscale.
  36. 1 2 "Facts & Figures". CCA. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  37. ↑ "Accreditation - NAAB Website". www.naab.org. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
  38. ↑ "Accreditation & Assessment". CCA. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
  39. ↑ "Curriculum - CCA Portal". portal.cca.edu. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
  40. ↑ https://archinect.com/schools/release/150042385/cca-architecture-launches-the-architectural-ecologies-lab
  41. ↑ "Field Operations Tackles A 'Wild and Strange" Park on Staten Island | Architectural Record". www.architecturalrecord.com. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
  42. ↑ "Concrete Pavilion / LIN architecture". ArchDaily. December 21, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
  43. ↑ https://www.azuremagazine.com/article/studio-gang-addition-unifies-california-college-of-the-arts/
  44. ↑ "Not Found". The Architect’s Newspaper. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
  45. ↑ https://www.bdcnetwork.com/project/studio-gang-selects-fire-rated-glass-for-cca
  46. ↑ https://www.azuremagazine.com/article/studio-gang-addition-unifies-california-college-of-the-arts/
  47. ↑ https://archinect.com/schools/release/150042385/cca-architecture-launches-the-architectural-ecologies-lab
  48. ↑ https://ael.cca.edu/news/california-college-of-the-arts-academic-alliance-with-autodesk-technology-centers
  49. ↑ https://www.cca.edu/newsroom/2025-metropolis-future-100/
  50. ↑ https://www.metropolismag.com/schools/california-college-of-the-arts-buoyant-ecologies/
  51. ↑ https://www.cca.edu/newsroom/california-college-of-the-arts-welcomes-10-new-chairs/

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