The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) is a private, for-profit art institution situated in Lakewood, Colorado. Established in 1963 by artist and educator Philip J. Steele, the college has a long history of fostering creative talent
History
RMCAD began in 1963 when Philip J. Steele acquired the Art for All Studios from Dorothea Seeley Shulenburg (1901-1975). He rebranded it as the “Rocky Mountain School of Art” and initially operated it as a proprietorship. On September 11, 1972, the school was officially incorporated under the new name.
As the student population grew, the institution relocated multiple times to accommodate expansion. In 2003, the college shifted from its three-building site in Denver to a more spacious campus in Lakewood. In 2010, a group of investors, including the owners of Full Sail University, purchased the majority stake from the Steele family. Following this acquisition, the new management restructured both the college and its curriculum.
In 2014, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) synchronized its in-person courses with its online offerings to optimize costs, transitioning many liberal arts courses entirely online. Since the change in ownership, the college has been managed by Bill Heavener, Ed Haddock, and Jon Phelp—who also oversee Full Sail University and other educational ventures.
Academics
RMCAD holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Its Interior Design program also meets the standards set by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
Students
The college serves around 1,400 undergraduate students. Of the total enrollment, 66% are female, 34% male, and 41% are from minority or international backgrounds. Additionally, 79% of the student body consists of out-of-state students.
With a student-to-instructor ratio of 9:1, RMCAD offers a more personalized learning experience. Class sizes typically average eight students, though required Liberal Arts classes may have larger groups. The average age for on-campus students is 23, while online students have an average age of 30.
Campus
RMCAD’s campus covers 23 acres (9.3 ha) and holds a National Historic District designation. It features 17 buildings, 11 of which are used for classrooms, studios, galleries, and other student resources. These include four galleries designed for showcasing art, along with creative studio spaces. The campus is historically significant as it once housed the Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society (JCRS) and later the American Medical Center at Denver. This site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places within Jefferson County, Colorado.
While the Full Sail ownership and RMCAD President Brent Fitch have modernized parts of the campus, the college remains a key component of the 40 West Arts District and is located near popular landmarks like Casa Bonita. The city of Lakewood, where the college resides, is conveniently situated between Denver and the foothills of the Front Range.
Galleries
RMCAD hosts four prominent galleries on campus: the Philip J. Steele Gallery, Rude Gallery, Alumni Gallery, and Student Gallery.
- Philip J. Steele Gallery: The largest gallery, named after the college’s founder, is dedicated to hosting major exhibitions.
- Rude Gallery: A more intimate venue located in the Rude Building.
- Alumni Gallery: Situated in the foyer of the Texas Building, it showcases works by former students.
- Student Gallery: Found in the EPiC Building, this gallery highlights current student projects.
These galleries reflect the college’s commitment to fostering artistic expression among both current students and alumni.
