The first mention of the School of Art is found in the 1935-1936 edition of the Annual Catalogue of the University of Washington. Prior to that, the existence of an Art Department or a Painting, Sculpture and Design (PS&D) Department came and went. A Department of Art is listed in the first printed annual catalog for the university, 1890-1891.

The College of Fine Arts was dissolved in the second half of 1935, and Painting, Sculpture and Design (PS&D) became the School of Art within the University College.

The name change to School of Art + Art History + Design was originally proposed by Christopher Ozubko, who was director of the school from 1996 to 2014. The name change was officially approved in spring 2015.

Directors

*Began in 1923 as Chair of Painting, Sculpture and Design (PS&D), part of the College of Fine Arts. 

Associate Directors