150 Years of SAIC

One of the Chicago Imagists, Ed Paschke (BFA 1961, MFA 1970, HON 1990) was once described as "a formalist in wolf's clothing."

Elizabeth Murray (BFA 1962, HON 1992) "reshaped Modernist abstraction."

Back in the days when all SAIC classrooms were underground in the basement of the Art Institute of Chicago museum, there was one single gathering space for SAIC students, faculty, and visitors: the subterranean cafeteria.

SAIC alum Joe Zucker (DIP 1964, MFA 1966, HON 2013) offers advice to young artists, emphasizing the importance of an arts education that spans varying fields and genres.

Whitney Halstead (BFA 1949, MFA 1954) was an art historian, educator, critic, author, artist, alum, and beloved instructor at SAIC.

Members of SAIC’s Half Century Club—alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago—reflect on their past experiences at the school and offer some advice to current SAIC students.

SAIC’s innovative interdisciplinary curriculum is integral to the school’s mission and philosophy.

Ray Yoshida (BFA 1953) was an alum, educator, and key influence on the Chicago Imagists.