Art and Art History Department records

Although instruction in art appeared in the 1877 Indiana Asbury catalog, the formal inauguration of the School of Art at DePauw did not occur until the fall of 1885 under the leadership of Dean Henry Albert Mills, and was part of the School of Music. The department was located in the building for music and art. The enrollment of the Art School the first year was 34. Three years later, the Art School was moved to the home of Bishop Simpson, which stood on the site of Rector Hall. The school had three instructors, including its dean, Mrs. Belle Amelia Mansfield, who conducted courses in theory and history of fine arts. The Art School continued for a time in Bishop Simpson's old home. It offered an art major and a degree of bachelor of painting. Toward the beginning of the century, it was gradually dissolved as more and more emphasis was put on music. In 1914 the Art School was discontinued; however, some art continued to be offered through the School of Music. In 1934 a distinct and definite art department was established, completely separate from the Music School or other departments.