Ever wondered how art and history intertwine? Right here at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design they do. This college isn’t just another art school. It’s a place where creativity thrives. It is also a place with a unique past.
The Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, or RMCAD, sits in Lakewood Colorado. Lakewood is a suburb of Denver. RMCAD started in 1963. Philip J. Steele, an artist and teacher, founded it. He purchased Art for All Studios from Dorothea Seeley Shulenburg. Steele renamed it Rocky Mountain School of Art.
RMCAD has moved a few times. It needed more space as it grew. In 2003, the college left its three Denver buildings. It moved to its current Lakewood location.
In 2010, there were some big changes. Bill Heavener, Ed Haddock, and Jon Phelp bought a big part of the college. They own Full Sail University. They started to reshape the college and its classes.
RMCAD is properly accredited. The Higher Learning Commission accredits it. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design also accredits it. The Interior Design program has accreditation, too. It comes from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
About 1,400 students study at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. Most students are women. Many are minorities or come from other countries. Most students come from out of state.
The Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design campus covers 23 acres. There are many buildings, classrooms, galleries, and studios. The campus once housed the Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places. RMCAD is close to the 40 West Arts District.
The Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design offers different degrees. You can study Game Art, Graphic Design, Animation, and Interior Design. Illustration, Art Education, and Fine Arts are also options. You can focus on Photography, Video Art, Sculpture, or Painting. There are also master’s degrees. These include Education, Leadership, Emerging Technologies, Design Strategy, and Innovation.
The Interior Design department has a special Green Design program. It was the first of its kind to gain accreditation.
The campus boasts many special facilities. There is a woodshop and a ceramics studio. A photography lab and a professional sound studio are available. There is also a large auditorium, an audiovisual theater, meeting rooms, and a library.
The Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is more than just a school. It blends art, design, and history. It creates a special place for students to learn and grow.