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Steve Heller
Posts:366
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| 06/29/2007 4:56 AM |
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Silas Rhodes,
who died on Thursday at the age of 91, was a true pioneer of art and
design education. In 1947 he co-founded the Cartoonists and
Illustrators School, which in 1956 was renamed The School of Visual
Arts (SVA) and by the seventies had become the largest independent
college of art in the United States offering BFA and MFA degrees. For
thirty years he also directed the Visual Arts Press and art directed the
iconic poster campaigns that continue to grace New York's subways and bus
shelters. After leaving the Presidency of SVA he remained its
Chairman of the board of directors. Every year at commencement he bestowed SVA's honorary doctorate degree.
These are the facts, but today this space is reserved for more personal feelings.
Despite his advanced years, it was a shock to learn that
someone who was so integral to my life in so many critical ways had
passed. He was not ill and only two weeks earlier co-chair of the MFA
Design program at SVA, Lita Talarico and I had a wonderfully
stimulating lunch with Mr. Rhodes. As we listened to his recollections
about the school and talked heatedly about contemporary art and politics, it was
hard not to be overcome by a sense of pride. He was such a commanding
figure, yet so warm and generous. He had created an environment
dedicated to teaching and learning where manyof the best talents in New
York were encouraged to pass on their knowledge and experience to
others, who often did the same when it was their turn.
Mr. Rhodes took great personal pride in the fact that so many alumni
returned to SVA,
many from successful careers as artists, photographers, filmmakers.
advertising people, and designers, to teach others - to continue the
legacy. He glowed when relating the accomplishments of those who were
molded by an
entity that was more like laboratory than an institution - more than a
school but a community.
I was shaped by the School of Visual Arts. As a kid in the 60s, living
nearby, I always enviously watched as students congregated around the
building on 23rd Street. I longed to be part of that energy.
Although later, my own time as an SVA
student was limited, I returned to teach. Mr. Rhodes
eventually asked me to co-found the MFA Design program. His faith
in me altered my life. Without the SVA experience I don't know "who" I
would be today. These what-ifs abound. But I do know I owe a lot to a
school that has offered
more than a mere job. Mr. Rhodes made it possible for me, and so many
others,
to find a place in the world where contribution to others' lives is a
requisite. He was always accessible and available, and his generosity
was above and beyond.
Its hard to imagine this city - indeed the worlds of art, advertising,
cartooning, photography, filmmaking, computer art, and design of all
kinds without SVA. At this very moment it is impossible to conceive of SVA
without Silas Rhodes.
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genevieve
Posts:1
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| 10/12/2007 3:22 PM |
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well said, steve.
sva and silas have given me, and many like me, a home, a community, and a refuge.
lead and directed by dr rhodes, sva is a collection of incredible talent, diversity, and warmth.
i cannot say that i accept silas' death, as for me he is a living, breathing figure, even in his earthly absence.
may all those who have passed through the doors of sva always give tribute to a man who single handedly changed the landscape of education for the better.
much admiration,
genevieve williams
faculty, graphic design department
school of visual arts.
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