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Home » Archives & Special Collections » History of UMass Dartmouth » Swain School of Design » Swain School of Design Historical Timeline » Swain 1970-1979

Swain School of Design 1970-1979

1881-1902 | 1903-1919 | 1920-1929 | 1930-1939 | 1940-1949 | 1950-1959 | 1960-1969 | 1970-1979 | 1980-1988 

Painting and drawing instructor Benjamin Martinez (seated) and class

In the 1970s, there were only 100 students enrolled at any time, creating a close knit environment for both students and faculty.

The May 1970 commencement was a milestone for the school when twelve students earned their Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, the first in Swain’s history.

Tom Corey, Design Instructor
Design and Photography workshop critique
Rodman Mansion

The Rodman Mansion, a historic Greek Revival home built in 1833, became headquarters for the Swain School in 1972. The building housed administrative offices, studios and a gallery. Before Swain purchased it, the mansion was home to the Jewish Community Center. These records are also housed in the UMD archives.

The Elm Street building housed the Printmaking and Sculpture departments.
Interior of the Elm Street building, showing the printmaking studio
John Osborne, printmaking instructor
Russell Daly (right), Chairman of the Sculpture Department.

The early 1970s were a turbulent period in American politics. In response to the U.S. invasion of Cambodia and the Kent State Massacre in the Spring of 1970, students canvassed the New Bedford neighborhoods to distribute cards which could be mailed to Senators Kennedy and Brooke, Representative Keith, and President Nixon. Students also staged an Art Show for Peace on the campus lawn.

Swain’s Library, housed in the c.1820 Swain “Stable” building.

The stable is now a private residence.

Swain School of Design’s curriculum always included liberal arts, offering courses in Western Civilization, Art History and English.

Catalogue Covers

catalog cover 1972-1974
1972-1974
catalog cover 1977-1978
1977-1978
catalog cover 1979-1981
1979-1981

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