Sep
28
Community Events

Legacy in Motion: ArtCenter on the Hill

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Hillside Campus
1700 Lida St
Pasadena, CA 91103

A Day of Creativity, Community and Inspiration at Hillside Campus

You don’t have to be an ArtCenter alum to join the celebration! On Sunday, September 28, our Hillside Campus will open its doors to the public for a full day of art, design and inspiration.

The day kicks off with the Design Invitational, —our signature outdoor transportation design showcase. Explore groundbreaking concepts, iconic designs, trendsetters and classics in an exhibition featuring vehicles designed by ArtCenter alumni or from the collections of our community.

Step inside for FullCircle Presents: Matthew Rolston, a lecture in which the acclaimed photographer and director will share his history, including his image-making philosophy, the artistic influences that have shaped his career, and his lifelong involvement with the College.

And throughout the day, tap into ArtCenter’s enduring creative spirit by taking part in gallery tours and enjoying special film screenings inside the beautifully restored Ahmanson Auditorium.

Set against the iconic Craig Ellwood Associates-designed Hillside Campus, this is a rare opportunity to experience ArtCenter’s world of creativity up close—whether you’re here to be inspired, connect with our creative community, or simply enjoy an unforgettable day surrounded by art, design and innovation.

Programming

9:30 am – 11:30 am

FullCircle Brunch*

*Separate ticket required

Celebrate creativity and connection with the ArtCenter community at this special ticketed event, part of ArtCenter’s Alumni Reunion Weekend.

Open to all, this gathering is your chance to mingle with alumni, friends and supporters while enjoying a delicious brunch.


10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Design Invitational


Explore groundbreaking concepts, iconic designs, trendsetters and classics in an exhibition featuring vehicles designed by ArtCenter alumni or from the collections of our community. Meet designers and industry leaders as they share the stories behind their creations and offer rare insight into the history and innovation that define ArtCenter’s legacy.

Related programming

There will also be two car-themed exhibitons on view at ArtCenter's South Campus. Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community, on view at the College’s Peter and Merle Mullin Gallery, celebrates Southern California’s love affair with the automobile through the eyes of Japanese Americans and the community's influence on car culture in the United States.

Presented in conjunction with the exhibiton, Cruising J-Town: Side Trip features four iconic vehicles designed by Japanese American alumni from the College’s renowned Transportation Design program.


11:30 am – 1:00 pm

FullCircle Presents Matthew Rolston: ArtCenter’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner


In a talk moderated by Wall Street Journal, New Yorker and The New York Times journalist Christina Binkley, ArtCenter alumnus Matthew Rolston will share his image-making philosophy, the artistic influences that have shaped his career, and his lifelong involvement with the College.

The event will conclude with a Q&A.

About Matthew Rolston

Matthew Rolston (Hon. DHL 06) has been a leading voice in photography, entertainment, advertising and image-making since beginning his career in 1977 while still a student at the College.


1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Ahmanson Screenings


View special screenings in the newly renovated Ahmanson Auditorium, a beloved venue that has hosted decades of memorable gatherings and world-class speakers. Following its 2021 renovation, this 3,300 square foot space now offers a premier cinematic experience with state-of-the-art digital and 35mm projection capabilities, comfortable seating, and excellent sightlines—an ideal setting for showcasing the cinematic arts that continue to flourish at ArtCenter.


4:00 pm

Concluding Remarks

Advance ticket purchase required.
Select the "General Registration"option from below to reserve a ticket.