Tom Turpin, professor of art at the University of Arkansas, compiled in 1988-1990 notes towards a history of the department. After his death, Michael Peven, chairman of the department, allowed a photocopy of the notes to be made for Special Collections. The file includes extracts from various University publications documenting faculty appointments, budgets, and course offerings of the art department; descriptions of related courses in industrial arts, handiwork and other disciplines; descriptions of the studio and classroom environments, equipment and supplies; descriptions of activities in which art faculty and students participated; and brief references to University events outside the department of art.