Oral History Transcripts
name: label: Collection Creator
content: National Academy of Design (U.S.)
setName: label: See more items in
content: National Academy of Design records
physdesc: label: Extent
content: 0.7 Linear Feet (Box 59)
unitdate: label: Date
content: 2002-2007
dataSource: label: Archival Repository
content: Archives of American Art
identifier: label: Identifier
content: AAA.natiacad, Series 16
objectType: label: Type
content: Archival materials
scopecontent: label: Scope and Contents
content: 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.