Savannah is a fascinating city, with much to offer students of the visual and performing arts, design, and the history of art and architecture. From the shops and ships of River Street to picturesque fountains and tree-shaded parks, from white sand beaches to avenues lined with tropical palms, Savannah is a city of European elegance and Southern charm.

The city was founded in 1733 by General James Edward Oglethorpe as one of 13 British Colonies in North America. With the help of Native Americans, the Colonists survived, and Oglethorpe's carefully designed plan still serves the city well today. The ordered grid of streets and squares enchants visitors and provides a constant reminder of the rich Colonial heritage of this fascinating coastal community.

The lush canopy of Savannah's urban forest and the wealth of 19th-century architecture create a visually stimulating environment. Perhaps the most remarkable features of Oglethorpe's plan are the city squares. Resembling outdoor rooms, the squares are pleasantly furnished with benches, fountains, monuments and statues, and are surrounded by homes, churches, schools and other buildings. Savannah developed quickly as a hub of commerce and reigned for 100 years as a center of cotton production and trade after Eli Whitney and Mrs. Nathanael Greene invented the cotton gin on a nearby plantation. Other notable residents over the centuries have included Girl Scouts of America founder Juliette Gordon Low, authors Flannery O'Connor and Conrad Aiken, lyricist Johnny Mercer, "Jingle Bells" composer James Lord Pierpont, folk artist Ulysses Davis, jazz musician Ben Tucker and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

The Savannah College of Art and Design is situated in the heart of Savannah's famed National Historic Landmark District, which attracts visitors from all over the world. The college has been a leader in restoring and adaptively reusing many of the city's architectural treasures.

Though renowned for its stately historic buildings, Savannah is an important modern seaport with an international cargo shipping industry. The city offers all the cultural and commercial advantages of a contemporary metropolitan center—museums, theaters, restaurants, an international airport and a thriving business community.

Savannah's many parks and subtle terrain are ideal for walking and biking. The mild climate allows residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Nearby beaches offer surf and sand, while the college and community offer a wide array of sports and other recreational activities. The city calendar is full of cultural and commemorative events and festivals showcasing a variety of performances and exhibitions.

The city and surrounding coastal area have become a popular filming location for Hollywood productions. Films shot in Savannah include Forrest Gump, Forces of Nature, The General's Daughter, The Gift, The Legend of Bagger Vance, Undertow and The Haunted Mansion.

The service of several major airlines into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport makes worldwide air travel convenient. Rail and bus service also connect the city with North American destinations. Within easy driving distance of Savannah are major metropolitan areas such as Atlanta; resorts such as Hilton Head, S.C., and Orlando, Fla.; and notable historic cities such as Charleston, S.C., and St. Augustine, Fla. Savannah is a city of historic importance, great physical beauty, commerce and culture. Within this inspiring atmosphere, the Savannah College of Art and Design flourishes, welcoming students and faculty from all 50 states and more than 80 countries.