"'A Great Day in San Francisco' is a picture of faculty, students, staff, alumni, and families and friends of the LGBT community at California College of the Arts," explains Painting/Drawing chair Kim Anno in reference to her latest project, a tribute to Art Kane's 1958 masterful photograph, "A Great Day in Harlem" (1958), that captured the historic gathering of 57 of the century's most influential jazz musicians on the steps of a Harlem brownstone.

Added Anno: "It was a moment in time that seemed important to acknowledge at this place and time. I had the theory that no other art school in America was quite as populated by our community."

A Queer Day in San Francisco

Photography studio manager Chris Nickel expertly photographed "A Great Day in San Francisco" on October 28, 2011, in front of the Nave on the San Francisco campus. Mother Nature played a part, too, as she allowed everyone to bask in the glow and warmth of a fall afternoon -- although Nickel did admit having everyone facing the bright sun did present some unexpected challenges.

The project serves not only as a historical nod to the contributions of the queer community to the college but also to the college's stalwart commitment to nurture diversity in all its forms.

Just like the photograph it pays tribute to, "A Great Day in San Francisco" is a vivid portrait of a unique community.

History Repeats Itself

Kane's (ne Arthur Kanofsky) vision was to create an enormous photo spread of as many jazz greats as he could persuade to assemble. The image "captures the spirit of an era when New York was the center of the jazz world, when music history was constantly being made, and when creativity was fostered by an intense and nurturing community of musicians and fans." The richly textured event provided Kane with a presentation of a cross-section of people and musical styles that comprised the evolution of jazz in the 20th century -- and beyond.

(In 1995 Jean Bach's similarly titled documentary about the photograph was nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary.)

Cultivating Diversity at CCA

CCA is committed to cultivating diversity within its student body, staff, and faculty. To achieve this goal specific tactical approaches have been identified targeting ways to diversify local and international communities as well as strengthen existing and future curricular enhancements. Here are three of the stated goals as defined by the President's Diversity Steering Group (PDSG:

1) Increase racial, socioeconomic, and global diversity among students, staff, faculty, and trustees

2) Develop our pedagogy and curriculum to reflect social and cultural diversity

3) Build a campus community that supports and values diversity

Learn more about how CCA expects to meet these diversity goals.

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