The Bee and the Acorn: A Memoir by Paula Susan Wallace

by Paula Susan Wallace

“In 1977, the world was ready for something new,” writes Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) president and founder Paula Wallace. “All around us, dreamers were dreaming up new Star Wars, the Clash, Apple. I was nearing thirty and ... wondered if I could do more.” Nearly forty years later, SCAD has become one of the largest and most highly regarded arts universities in the world. An engaging, moving, and inspiring memoir, The Bee and the Acorn traces the journey of Wallace and her family to the historic Georgia coastal town of Savannah, where they set about creating a new university for the arts. The tiny college would be a radically different kind of institution, buzzing with progressive ideas about what a college could be and what it should do for students, changing the face of higher education.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Art

224 pages, Hardcover

Published June 7, 2016

Reviews

[Kitchen Insights · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring memoir from the women who started a leading art and design school in the late 70's. Paula Wallace had a vision for a different way of teaching which incorporated a more hands on approach. She strongly believed that students should/could be taught art and design for a purpose...to eventually be gainfully employed. Her concept caught on and the Savannah College for Art and Design (SCAD) evolved into a world class university.

I enjoyed reading about her thought process, her approach and her challenges as she embarked on an incredible task. The book also provides historical background on many of the buildings SCAD renovated as the school expanded. If you have visited Savannah, GA you have seen the results of this amazingly driven women. SCAD's impact is everywhere.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir was fantastic. I love the city of Savannah and SCAD’s campus is very expansive and its programs impressive. After my second visit to this charmed and historic place I bought this book eager to learn more about Wallace, a visionary and the school she envisioned and built. I also loved reading and learning more about Savannah. It’s inspiring what one can do, even with faced with uncertainties and doubt. The grit, boundless energy, and determination to succeed is evident as the book unfolds. Ms Wallace clearly moves by faith and not by sight. I highly recommend this book and that people get to Savannah and check out SCAD.

[Rebecca Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

After visiting Savannah, I returned home with this book as a souvenir. Wallace's writing style is extremely enjoyable and learning the history of SCAD after visiting some of its campus proved enlightening. I now wish to revisit Savannah to take note of things mentioned in the book, and my creative juices are again flowing. If you've ever heard of Savannah College of Art and Design and wondered about its origins, then this book is for you!

[Bryant Whelan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful memoir is a delicious snapshot of a visionary’s path to making dreams become reality in spite of odds and naysayers. I lived in Savannah in the early 1982 and 1983 when Savannah College of Art & Design was still in its infancy. I was in advertising and a recent visual communications graduate from Auburn-a school with a great design program. In Savannah I would hire the SCAD teachers to do freelance illustration work for my clients. My recall was that the Community was not supportive of SCAD at first, and yet the school leaders persevered and SCAD is now the gold standard around the world. It was begun by an elementary school teacher with a vision. The book’s writing style is much like it’s cover and illustrations—upbeat and inspiring. As an artist and director of nonprofit art center in a coastal Southern city, I consumed this memoir with glee. It is a fun little ride for anyone who has big plans and is constantly hearing the words “that isn’t possible” or “you can’t do that.” Paula’s story of SCAD is proof that it is and you can.

[Kyote · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed in the utter lack of transparency, and honesty in this book. It was a 224 page advertisement for a university with a very controversial history, and administrative structure.

I was also disappointed that her ghost writer was not mentioned—shady practice taking credit for prose you did not write, and from an educator non-the-less. At least give him a co-author credit! This is clearly a vanity book published by a vanity press— which may be the perfect metaphor for the school itself.

As someone who has watched SCAD grow over the past 30 years, I was hoping to get a semblance of honesty here— Missing are: 1) the student revolt in the 90’s that culminated with a pipe bomb exploding outside the president’s office, 2) The battle with SVA in Savannah, 3) the accusations of criminal malfeasance by past board members, and 4) the recent troubles and lawsuit involving the cover-up of sexual assaults on campus.

Nice illustrations.

[Rachel Busby · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you went to SCAD and loved it this book is for you. It is fascinating to read how SCAD was built up with the start of one building and and 71 students.

[Jane Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Fine art is that in which the head, the hand, and the heart of man go together." ~John Ruskin

This fascinating memoir by Paula Susan Wallace chronicled her journey as the founder of SCAD, (Savannah College of Art and Design) that first opened its doors in 1979 with 71 students. Wallace used her background in elementary education to create a warm, nurturing environment, coupled with her vision to offer an arts education that would enable students to earn a living doing what they loved. With the financial backing and support of her parents, she has been involved with SCAD from its inception. Today, this award winning university includes four campuses: Besides Savannah, Georgia, students are enrolled in Atlanta, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and Hong Kong. I found myself totally immersed in her story as she shared the ever evolving dreams and inevitable challenges they encountered. I especially enjoyed her lucid writing style which was filled with personal stories, impressions and metaphors. Her perfectionism, tenacity, perseverance and creative energy are to be admired.

On a recent visit to SCAD in Savannah, I was privileged to tour many of the historic buildings that are now part of the campus, including Poetter Hall, Gryphon and the Art Museum which added depth to my reading. Wallace has created a legacy in the urban revitalization of this beautiful city. Through her efforts, many buildings set for demolition have been revived, repurposed and renewed. Her journey definitely embodies the acorn and the bee which are included on the school's logo. From humble beginnings, she has seen the fruition of her dreams realized. As President, she continues to help others take flight.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time to get out my paintbrushes!

This was such an interesting read of a young woman, an elementary school teacher, who created one of the most well known art colleges in the country! Paula Wallace, along with her family, moved to Savannah, GA to create SCAD basically out of thin air. I felt connected to her story since I do have ties to SCAD myself. My brother is a SCAD alum himself and I did a SCAD program one summer during high school. It really is an incredible school, and now knowing the history behind it, I love it even more!

[Layla Mayville · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! What an inspirational book and life story. I lived in Savannah for 5 years and loved how SCAD helped revitalize the city. I've experienced some of the SCAD events including the sidewalk chalk in the park and fashion show. I enjoyed reading the book learning more about the beginning years and how it came to be. It's going to be so hard for Paula to retire and find someone to fill her shoes. Her and their vision for SCAD hopefully will live on for another 40 years!!

[Todd Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of SCAD is authentic, original and amazing. Paula Wallace had an uncommon vision and drive to create a school with specific purpose- to turn out employable artists. That it became a vibrant force that transformed thousands of lives and saved a city was a happy byproduct. Wallace admits she’s been lucky but she also possesses the skills of the most adroit CEO. This story is bigger than the book which is, at heart, a modest memoir.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up in the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) bookstore. It's the story of Wallace and how she conceived and brought SCAD into being. A very interesting and amazing achievement.
SCAD gets credit for uplifting downtown Savannah and making it the historical gem and visitor attraction that it is today.

I wish I could go back to Savannah and visit a few more of the SCAD public spaces. If you go, be sure to head to the Art museum, and the historical district art gallery.

[Lisa Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite reads of the summer!! My daughter and I visited SCAD and I was so inspired by their fearless leader that I knew I had to read about her journey. This memoir was beautifully written and so very inspiring especially of for those of us in the education field.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a testament that if you dream it and pursue that dream with all your energy and talent, you can achieve your goal. Paula Wallace did just that. I grew up in Savannah in the when the downtown was dead. SCAD was the best thing that ever happened to the city

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Language is a little simple, and the ending felt a little rushed (the details of SCAD's history weren't given as much anecdotal attention in the second half), but it was an interesting read!

[Mfon Akpan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a testament to perseverance and vision. It is also a story of faith and vision.

[Ann-Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading about how SCAD became what it is today. Hard work, many hands, heads, and passion made it what it is today. Thank you Paula Susan Wallace!

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story about the foundation of the college that I graduated from : )

[Anna Darragh]

Such an inspiring story!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpectedly gorgeous book! I was drawn by the delightful cover and title, high-end paper and binding, and the contents didn’t disappoint. Excellent writing, lovely illustrations, and an interesting and inspirational story about the birth of a new kind of college and its founder. “Old institutions don’t change much or ever. Too many rules, too much to risk. If you want to do something new, you can’t do it at an old place, at least not if anybody’s looking.”

[Aimee Van Alstyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the insight into the founding of the college that my daughter first fell in love with in 5th grade on a family trip to Savannah and the fruition of her dream education at SCAD. Understanding the background of how this college came to be and the passion behind its founder allows me to further appreciate the college itself.

[Margaret Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspiring book by a very talented and insightful woman, SCAD founder Paula Wallace. I only wish that SCAD had been in existence when I was in college aspiring to study architecture and interior design!