CranBrook

Cranbrook Academy of Art, known as the cradle of American modernism, began in the 1920's in Michigan. Outstanding artists, architects and designers – the Saarinens, Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen have been a part of Cranbrook’s community of artists.

2 Founders:
George Booth - Believed that it was the arts that propelled advancements in human culture, and he wanted to create a place where art and design could be studied intensively, with a one-on-one relationship between student and teacher and a close and supportive community.
Eliel Saarinen - Finnish architect who occupies a major position in the history of modern American design and architecture.

Both were inspired by the vision of the Arts and Crafts movement, which began in England in the mid-nineteenth century and soon spread to the United States. George hoped arts and crafts movement would influence and banish tasteless, mass-produced goods from American homes. He believed that craftsmanship would result in superior products and provide the foundation for an ethically responsible life.

The goal in life is to quit responding to societal pressure, fear, and desire, and to attempt to gain a deeper understanding of one's true nature, then have the absolute courage and "stupidity" to work ceaselessly towards that ideal. Concern over one's peers is misguided and is a creative noose. There are two types of students: those who feel that the responsibility for their education lies with the school, and then those who realize that the responsibility for their education lies within themselves. We adhere to the advice of Joseph Campbell: "Follow your bliss."