This collection contains materials regarding models for the life drawing classes held at the San Francisco Art Institute (also known as the California School of Design from 1874-1916 and the California School of Fine Arts from 1916-1961). The materials consist of correspondence between models and the school, model books, model photographs and CVs, Model Guild of San Francisco lists and agreements as well publications featuring models at SFAI. Through this collection, the history of modeling at the school can be tracked from the years 1911 through 1979.

The San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI) was a private fine arts college dating back to 1874 when the San Francisco Art Association, an organization founded in 1871 to promote and exhibit local artists, first began offering art classes to the public. The school was known as the California School of Design from 1874 through 1916, and the California School of Fine Arts from 1916 through 1961, when it became the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI). SFAI closed in 2022.

1 box, 12 folders, .42 linear feet

Contact the San Francisco Art Institute Legacy Foundation + Archive for questions or requests regarding use of these materials.

The collection is open for research use.