Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

Kent/Blossom Arts Programs records

Inclusive Date(s):

1960-2018

Bulk Date(s):

1970-2000

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Lae'l Hughes-Watkins, Stephanie Tulley, and Philip Shackelford

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Philip Shackelford using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2013

Description Rules:

Finding aid prepared using DACS.

Origination:

Kent/Blossom Arts Programs

Extent:

5 cubic feet (five records storage boxes)

Physical Location:

10th floor

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0152

Abstract:

This collection contains historical documents, promotional materials, and photographs regarding the Kent/Blossom Arts Programs of the Kent State University College of the Arts.

Revision(s):

June 2022 - Additions and Revisions by Anita Clary

Language(s):

The records are in English.

History of Kent/Blossom Arts Programs

Since the inauguration of Blossom Music Center as the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra in 1968, Kent State University has participated in helping to develop its role as a center for professional training in the visual and performing arts. Advanced training programs in art and music were established in 1968, and a similar program was begun in theater the following year. The three Kent/Blossom Arts Programs divide their time between the university's home campus in Kent, Ohio, and special performing/presentation facilities at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. In 1971, Porthouse Theatre was opened on university property adjacent to the Blossom Music Center grounds, and in 1975, Eels Art Gallery was constructed by the university near the center's main gate. Each summer, the Kent/Blossom Arts Programs bring together some 200 young professionals in art, music, and theatre, and a resident faculty of seventy, which include Kent State faculty, members of The Cleveland Orchestra, and major international visual artists.

Scope and Content

The materials in this collection represent a historical snapshot of the creation and subsequent operation of the Kent/Blossom Arts Programs, including the Blossom Music Center, and includes correspondence, financial reports, an oral history on the program's history, performance programs, planning files, press releases and other promotional materials, and photographs.

Statement of Arrangement

This collection is arranged into the following series: Administrative Files, Oral History, Photographs, Planning and Development, Programs, Promotional Materials, and Subject Files. The files are arranged alphabetically and then chronologically within each series.

Preferred Citation

Kent/Blossom Arts Programs records. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Subject Headings

The following subjects are found in this collection:

Subjects:

• Kent/Blossom Arts Programs -- Archives
• Kent/Blossom Music (Festival) -- Archives
• Kent/Blossom Art -- Archives
• Kent/Blossom Theatre -- Archives
• Arts -- Ohio -- Management
• Music -- Instruction and study -- Ohio
• Art -- Study and teaching -- Ohio
• Theater -- Study and teaching -- Ohio

Organizations/Corporations:

• Kent State University. Porthouse Theatre
• Kent State University. College of the Arts
• Blossom Music Center
• Cleveland Orchestra
• Kent State University. School of Art
• Kent State University. School of Art. Galleries
• Kent State University. School of Art. Eels Art Gallery
• Kent/Blossom Music (Festival)
• Kent/Blossom Art
• Blossom Festival School (Music festival)
• Kent/Blossom Theatre

Functions:

• Arts --Management

Places:

• Kent (Ohio)
• Cuyahoga Falls (Ohio)

Occupations:

• Arts administrators

Material Types:

• Correspondence
• Reports
• Programs
• Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
• Photographs
• Posters
• Fliers
• Publications
• Business records
• Architectural drawings (visual works)
• Blueprints
• Financial records
• Oral histories (document genres)
• Press releases
• Promotional materials

Detailed Description of the Collection