Noted Faculty & Alumni

CCA's faculty and graduates have influenced, and in many cases led, almost every mid- and late-20th century art movement.

Ceramics Revolution

In the 1960s, alumni Robert Arneson and Peter Voulkos and faculty member Viola Frey helped instigate the ceramics revolution, which established that medium as a fine art.

Photorealist Movement

The Photorealist movement of the 1970s is represented by current faculty member Jack Mendenhall and alumni Robert Bechtle and Richard McLean.

Bay Area Figurative Art Movement

Alumni Nathan Oliveira and Manuel Neri were leaders in the Bay Area figurative art movement.

Conceptual Art

Alumni have also been prominent in conceptual art (Dennis Oppenheim), minimalist sculpture (John McCracken), painting (Squeak Carnwath), and film (Wayne Wang).

California Design Movement

As leaders of the California design movement, former faculty member Wolfgang Lederer and current faculty members Michael Vanderbyl, Lucille Tenazas, and Michael Manwaring have had a major impact on contemporary American graphic arts.