Spivey learned that Ringling did not have an interest in helping Southern College, was almost broke, and wanted to start his own art school on the grounds of his museum.

[8][6] The school, although an extension of Florida Southern, initially functioned as a junior college with business and arts classes.

Another theory holds that conservative Methodist trustees from Florida Southern were outraged that Ringling students were drawing naked models, so they sought to end the relationship.

The RCLA operates with an annual overhead of 10% and has “made gifts and commitments to the college in excess of $11 million dollars”.

Organized jointly with Letterpress and Book Arts Center and the Brizdle-Schoenberg Special Collections Center and in collaboration with SRQ Zine Fest, the annual event features a wide array of creative books and experimental printed items that highlight local and diverse perspectives.

Its new modern facility, completed in January 2017, is centrally located, physically representing the mission of the library as the heart of its college.

The $20 million dollar library, designed by Shepley Bulfinch and Sweet Sparkman Architects, is significantly larger than its predecessor.

It features furnishings selected by RCAD students, bright colors, a 24-hour lab, a café, ten group study areas, and 4 terraces overlooking Whitaker Bayou.