Otis Art College Celebrates Its Big 9-0!

The Los Angeles art institution founded by Otis Chandler of the LA Times turned 90-years-old today. That's some tradition. But is an art education relevant today? You bet it is! Otis is expanding. It's rigorous. It's students are in demand as innovators in the creative industries.

As an alum, I was impressed listening to the presentations made by each department. The college has really grown since I was there over two decades ago. There's a recognition of the variety of opportunities and industries worldwide craving creative talent, so the majors available have expanded impressively. But two Otis hallmarks have remained intact that drew me to it initially: all students spend their first year taking a foundation in basic art fundamentals, and instructors work in the industry rather than spouting outdated theory. Students learn from the pros bringing the latest techniques to the classroom. It's an awesome arrangement.

But here's what I wondered. One department chairman mentioned offhandedly that few Californians were in his program. Of course, when I hear something like that my ears prick up! Also, I was struck by the high caliber of student ability at the freshman level. How many students coming from California high schools could step right into the program? We are cutting our kids off from fantastic opportunities by cutting out part of their K - 12 education.

I think we should reject the wornout argument trotted out by CA districts that the arts cost too much. Not that I want to harp on the point, but Texas districts provide full programs based on far less funding per pupil than the state of CA gives. They have to deal with the same expensive issues such as immigration, special education, and testing -- hey, it's their model of testing that's been imposed on the rest of the country. Even so, they include elementary art and music rooms in buildings each district raises itself without state funds. LAUSD is building new schools for the first time in eons, but they don't include art and music rooms, or gyms. It's not even in their thinking to build for a future when they might have more money in their coffers. That's not tax dollars well-spent, in my opinion.

I think we need an uprising.