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Kent/Blossom Arts Programs records

Special Collections and Archives

Kent/Blossom Arts Programs records

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Special Collections and Archives

Kent/Blossom Arts Programs records

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Abstract: This collection contains historical documents, promotional materials, and photographs regarding the Kent/Blossom Arts Programs of the Kent State University College of the Arts.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

Administrative Files, 1967-2000
Box 1 / Folder 1
Annual Report Data, 1985
Box 1 / Folder 2
Annual Report Data, 1986
Box 1 / Folder 3
Annual Report Data, 1988
Box 1 / Folder 4
Annual Report Data, 1990
Box 1 / Folder 5
Annual Report Data, 1991-1992
Box 1 / Folder 6
Annual Report Data, 1993-1994
Box 1 / Folder 7
Annual Report Data, 1994-1995
Box 1 / Folder 8
Annual Report Data, 1995-1996
Box 1 / Folder 9
Annual Report Data, 1997
Box 1 / Folder 10
Annual Report Data, 1998
Box 1 / Folder 11
Annual Report Data, 1999
Box 1 / Folder 12
Blossom Administrative Pay Reclassification, 1993
Box 1 / Folder 13
GAR Foundation Funding, 1984
Box 1 / Folder 14
George Gund Foundation Request, 1984-1985
Box 1 / Folder 15
Joint Committee Musical Arts Association, 1967-1975
Box 1 / Folder 16
Kent/Blossom Administrative Correspondence, 1967-1979
Box 1 / Folder 17
Kent/Blossom Administrative Correspondence, 1982-1986
Box 1 / Folder 18
Kent/Blossom Administrative Correspondence, 2000
Box 1 / Folder 19
Kent/Blossom Advisory Board, 1967-1976
Box 1 / Folder 20
Kent/Blossom Advisory Board, 1978-1979
Box 1 / Folder 21
Kent/Blossom Advisory Board, 1980-1981
Box 1 / Folder 22
Kent/Blossom Art Budget, 1986
Box 1 / Folder 23
Kent/Blossom Challenge Campaign, 1982
Box 1 / Folder 24
Kent/Blossom Expense Comparison, 1980
Box 1 / Folder 25
Kent/Blossom Funding, 1972-1989
Box 1 / Folder 26
Kent/Blossom General Statistics, 1985-1987
Box 1 / Folder 27
Kent/Blossom General Statistics, 1988
Box 1 / Folder 28
Kent/Blossom Mission Statement, 1980
Box 1 / Folder 29
Kent/Blossom Music Budget, 1979-1985
Box 1 / Folder 30
Kent/Blossom Music Budget, 1985-1988
Box 1 / Folder 31
Kent/Blossom Music Budget, 1992-1995
Box 1 / Folder 32
Kent/Blossom Music Budget, 1995
Box 1 / Folder 33
Kent/Blossom Music Budget, 1998
Box 1 / Folder 34
Kent/Blossom Music Budget, 2000
Box 1 / Folder 35
Kent/Blossom Theatre Budget, 1986
Box 1 / Folder 36
Kent State Foundation Funding Request, 1992-1993
Box 1 / Folder 37
KSU/Cleveland Orchestra Joint Funding, 1986

Oral History, 1984-1985
Scope and Content
This series includes an audio recording and a transcript of that recording, in which Harold Kitner expresses his concern over missing documents and potential gaps in the historical record of Kent/Blossom origins. He then proceeds to outline the history of the Kent/Blossom Arts Program in monologue.
Box 1 / Folder 34
Origin of the Blossom Festival School: transcript, 1985
Box 1 / Folder 35
Origin of the Blossom Festival School: audio recording, 1984
Physical Description: Audio Cassette

Photographs, 1966-1968
Box 2 / Folder 1
Blossom Center Construction, 1966-1968
Box 2 / Folder 2
Blossom Music Center Plans with President White, Frank Joseph, and George Sezel, undated
Box 2 / Folder 3
Blossom Festival School, undated
Box 2 / Folder 4
Blossom Music Center, undated
Box 2 / Folder 5
Kent/Blossom Music Photographs, undated
Box 2 / Folder 6
Kent/Blossom Theatre Photographs, undated

Planning and Development, 1960-2000
Scope and Content
This series contains information about the initial funding, development, and construction of the Blossom Music center, as well as subsequent development of the Kent/Blossom Arts Program.
Box 2 / Folder 7
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Trail Plans and Environmental Assessment, 1986
Box 2 / Folder 8
Kent/Blossom Arts Program Development, 1979-1984
Box 2 / Folder 9
Kent/Blossom Background, 1960-1980
Box 2 / Folder 10
Kent/Blossom Blueprints: Access Road Plans, 1968
Physical Description: Oversized blueprints
Box 2 / Folder 11
Kent/Blossom Blueprints: Building Plans, 1969-1974
Physical Description: Oversized blueprints
Box 2 / Folder 12
Kent/Blossom Blueprints: Land Surveys, 1967-1970
Physical Description: Oversized blueprints
Box 2 / Folder 13
Kent/Blossom Blueprints: Sewer and Water Plans, 1970
Physical Description: Oversized blueprints
Box 2 / Folder 14
Kent/Blossom Blueprints: Site Plans, 1964-1970
Physical Description: Oversized blueprints
Box 2 / Folder 15
Kent/Blossom Land Acquisition, 1986-1987
Box 2 / Folder 16
Kent/Blossom Music Center Northampton Land Agreement, 1967-1980
Box 2 / Folder 17
Kent/Blossom Operations, undated
Box 2 / Folder 18
Kent/Blossom School Overview and Design, 1968-1985
Box 2 / Folder 19
Kent/Blossom Site Plans, 1967
Box 2 / Folder 20
National Endowment for the Arts, 1980-1987
Scope and Content
Correspondence and information regarding consideration of support for the Music Professional Training Program.
Box 2 / Folder 21
National Endowment for the Arts, 1993-1994
Scope and Content
Seeks support for Kent/Blossom Music student chamber ensembles
Box 2 / Folder 22
Northampton Township Property, 1980
Box 2 / Folder 23
Ohio Arts Council Grant Proposal, 1984
Scope and Content
Materials regarding grant proposal for the Blossom Festival School - Theatre.

Programs, 1970-2002
Box 3 / Folder 1
Kent/Blossom Art Exhibition, 1970, 1977
Box 3 / Folder 2
Kent/Blossom Art Exhibition, 1985
Box 3 / Folder 3
Kent/Blossom Art Exhibition, 1986
Box 3 / Folder 4
Kent/Blossom Art Exhibition, 1987
Box 3 / Folder 5
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1976
Box 3 / Folder 6
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1978
Box 3 / Folder 7
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1979
Box 3 / Folder 8
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1980
Box 3 / Folder 9
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1981
Box 3 / Folder 10
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1982
Box 3 / Folder 11
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1983
Box 3 / Folder 12
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1984
Box 3 / Folder 13
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1985
Box 3 / Folder 14
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1986
Box 3 / Folder 15
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1987
Box 3 / Folder 16
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1988
Box 3 / Folder 17
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1989
Box 3 / Folder 18
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1990
Box 3 / Folder 19
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1991
Box 3 / Folder 20
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1992
Box 3 / Folder 21
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1993
Box 3 / Folder 22
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1994
Box 3 / Folder 23
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1996
Box 3 / Folder 24
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1997
Box 3 / Folder 25
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1998
Box 3 / Folder 26
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 1999
Box 3 / Folder 27
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 2001
Box 3 / Folder 28
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 2002 (Folder 1 of 2)
Box 3 / Folder 29
Kent/Blossom Music Performances, 2002 (Folder 2 of 2)
Box 3 / Folder 30
Kent/Blossom Music Festival, 2016
Box 3 / Folder 31
Kent/Blossom Pre-Concert Serenades, 1989-2001
Box 3 / Folder 32
Kent/Blossom Theatre Productions, 1973
Box 3 / Folder 33
Kent/Blossom Theatre Productions, 1974
Box 3 / Folder 34
Kent/Blossom Theatre Productions, 1976
Box 3 / Folder 35
Kent/Blossom Theatre Productions, 1982
Box 3 / Folder 36
Kent/Blossom Theatre Productions, 1983
Box 3 / Folder 37
Kent/Blossom Theatre Productions, 1984
Box 3 / Folder 38
Kent/Blossom Theatre Productions, 1985
Box 3 / Folder 39
Kent/Blossom Theatre Productions, 1986
Box 3 / Folder 40
Kent/Blossom Theatre Productions, 1987
Box 3 / Folder 41
Kent/Blossom Theatre Productions, undated

Promotional Materials, 1968-2011
Box 4 / Folder 1
Blossom Festival School Program Information, 1979-1984
Box 4 / Folder 2
Blossom Quarter Notes, 1981-1986
Box 4 / Folder 3
Cleveland Orchestra Promotional Programs, 1977-2002
Physical Description: Includes performances at Blossom Music Center
Box 4 / Folder 4
Fliers and Brochures, 1970-1979
Box 4 / Folder 5
Fliers and Brochures, 1980-1985
Box 4 / Folder 6
Fliers and Brochures, 1986-1989
Box 4 / Folder 7
Fliers and Brochures, 1990-1999
Box 4 / Folder 8
Fliers and Brochures, 2000-2009
Box 4 / Folder 9
Fliers and Brochures, 2010-2017
Box 4 / Folder 10
Fliers and Mailers, undated
Box 4 / Folder 11
Kent/Blossom Performance Calendars, 1972-1982
Box 4 / Folder 12
Kent/Blossom Performance Calendars, 1983-1990
Box 4 / Folder 13
Kent/Blossom Posters, 1970-1979
Box 4 / Folder 14
Kent/Blossom Posters, 1980-1989
Box 4 / Folder 15
Kent/Blossom Posters, 2014
Box 4 / Folder 16
Press Releases, 1977-1990
Box 4 / Folder 17
Press Releases, 1980-1986
Box 4 / Folder 18
Press Releases, 1991
Box 4 / Folder 19
Promotional Programs, 1968-1973
Box 4 / Folder 20
Promotional Programs, 1975-1979
Box 4 / Folder 21
Promotional Programs, 1981-1982
Box 4 / Folder 22
Promotional Programs, 1983-1984
Box 4 / Folder 23
Promotional Programs, 1985-1986
Box 4 / Folder 24
Promotional Programs, 1989-1991
Box 4 / Folder 25
Promotional Programs, 1992-1993
Box 4 / Folder 26
Promotional Programs, 1994-1995
Box 4 / Folder 27
Promotional Programs, 1996-1997
Box 4 / Folder 28
Promotional Programs, 1998-1999
Box 4 / Folder 29
Promotional Programs, 2000-2001
Box 4 / Folder 30
Promotional Programs, 2002
Box 4 / Folder 31
Promotional Programs, 2003-2008
Box 4 / Folder 32
Promotional Programs, 2010-2011
Box 4 / Folder 33
Publicity Correspondence, 1978-1992
Box 4 / Folder 34
Public Relations Campaign, 1985
Box 5 / Folder 1
Season Press Clippings, 1968-1979
Box 5 / Folder 2
Season Press Clippings, 1980
Box 5 / Folder 3
Season Press Clippings, 1981
Box 5 / Folder 4
Season Press Clippings, 1982
Box 5 / Folder 5
Season Press Clippings, 1983
Box 5 / Folder 6
Season Press Clippings, 1984
Box 5 / Folder 7
Season Press Clippings, 1985
Box 5 / Folder 8
Season Press Clippings, 1986
Box 5 / Folder 9
Season Press Clippings, 1987
Box 5 / Folder 10
Season Press Clippings, 1988
Box 5 / Folder 11
Season Press Clippings, 1989
Box 5 / Folder 12
Season Press Clippings, 1990
Box 5 / Folder 13
Season Press Clippings, 1991
Box 5 / Folder 14
Season Press Clippings, 1992
Box 5 / Folder 15
Season Press Clippings, 1993
Box 5 / Folder 16
Season Press Clippings, 1994
Box 5 / Folder 17
Season Press Clippings, 1995
Box 5 / Folder 18
Season Press Clippings, 1996
Box 5 / Folder 19
Season Press Clippings, 1997
Box 5 / Folder 20
Season Press Clippings, 1998
Box 5 / Folder 21
Season Press Clippings, 1999
Box 5 / Folder 22
Season Press Clippings, 2000
Box 5 / Folder 23
Season Press Clippings, 2002

Subject Files, 1968-1996
Box 5 / Folder 24
Alexander String Quartet, undated
Box 5 / Folder 25
Alumni Testimonials, 1984
Box 5 / Folder 26
American String Quartet, 1986
Box 5 / Folder 27
Big Apple Chorus, undated
Box 5 / Folder 28
Blossom Women's Committee, 1985
Box 5 / Folder 29
Blossom 20th Anniversary, 1988
Box 5 / Folder 30
Cleveland Orchestra, 1981-1986
Box 5 / Folder 31
Eels Art Gallery, 1988
Box 5 / Folder 32
Emerson String Quartet, undated
Box 5 / Folder 33
Faculty Rosters, 1968-1988
Box 5 / Folder 34
Kent/Blossom Attendance, 1968-1987
Box 5 / Folder 35
Kent/Blossom 15th Anniversary, 1983
Box 5 / Folder 36
Mabou Mines, 1984
Box 5 / Folder 37
Maps, undated
Box 5 / Folder 38
Miami String Quartet, 1994-1996
Box 5 / Folder 39
Porthouse Theatre Company, 1987
Box 5 / Folder 40
Prominent Alumni, undated
Box 5 / Folder 41
Student Enrollment Information, 1983-1994
Box 5 / Folder 42
Visiting Faculty, undated