Columbus College of Art & Design

Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) stands as a vibrant hub for artistic innovation, embodying its motto, "Think. Do. Thrive." As a private art school, CCAD has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1879 as the Columbus Art School, an endeavor sparked by the visionary Columbus Art Association. With initial support from patrons like Francis Sessions, who donated space for early classes, the school quickly grew from just three students to a thriving community of artists, demonstrating an immediate need and passion for art education in Columbus.

Over the decades, CCAD's curriculum expanded dramatically, evolving from foundational classes in drawing, watercolor, and mechanical drawing to include sophisticated offerings like sculpture, figure drawing, and later, anatomy, composition, and illustrative advertising. This continuous evolution ensured that students were always at the forefront of artistic techniques and theories. The school saw significant milestones, including its merger with the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts board in 1923 and the construction of its first dedicated building, Beaton Hall, in 1930, made possible by a generous donation from Ralph Beaton.

Today, under the leadership of President Melanie Corn, CCAD continues its legacy of fostering creative talent. Prospective students and families will find a dynamic learning environment dedicated to nurturing individual artistic voices and preparing them for successful careers in the creative industries. The institution's enduring commitment to excellence, adaptability through challenges like World War II, and its strong foundation built by dedicated artists and philanthropists make it a truly inspiring place to pursue an art and design education.