In 2006, a special series on the History of Ornament was delivered by Jeffrey Mims as an introduction to our mural program. Unique to modern atelier training, these weekly illustrated lectures on ornament provided a look at elements of design and principles of ornamentation that link architecture, sculpture, and painting. The persistence of shared patterns and motifs through varying centuries and cultures was of particular interest, and the geometric construction of certain classical examples were examined and copied.

Long considered to be an integral part of every artist's education - like anatomy and perspective - this study has been developed to strengthen the concept of design, and to discipline a dimension of draftsmanship that has been neglected even in traditional circles.

This series, in conjunction with our research on the History of the Academy, culminated with a trip to Paris this spring where the variety and splendor of the French school is so well represented.