John DeCuir Production Design Studies Center
Asbury University
The Asbury University John DeCuir Production Design Studies Center features production designs, sketches and storyboards from films from the 30’s to the present. The design studies center also features the John DeCuir Collection of over 400 original set design paintings, over 1200 sketches, and part of the library of books that inspired John DeCuir, Sr. and John DeCuir, Jr. in their illustrious eight-decade production design careers. The DeCuir collection includes production design artwork from over 50 films. The center is currently digitizing the artwork and this website will ultimately feature all of the films.
A Life Gone By: John Decuir Sr.
John DeCuir Sr. created some of the most inspired artwork of Hollywood’s golden age. From his earliest films in the 1940's to later works like Ghostbusters in 1984, DeCuir's designs and artwork helped guide these classic films to completion. John DeCuir, Sr., was one of the few of his Film Production Design associates who was able to save thousands of scribbles and sketches created throughout his long career.
““[DeCuir Sr. was] a man who could have been the Norman Rockwell of movies.””
Our Mission: An Instructional Archival Database
To paraphrase John DeCuir, Jr., himself, the long-term purpose of the John DeCuir Production Design Center at Asbury University is to create “an instructional archival database” — sharing this unique collection of artifacts with the world at no charge for educational purposes.
While our initial focus is on set design, our longer-range objectives aim to pave the way for creating instructional modules that springboard from our collection of film industry and production design artifacts, as a wellspring for broader mind-to-matter ideation.
““The DeCuir Production Design Center at Asbury University means a great deal to us. Notwithstanding Dad’s incredible mental imaging and delineation skills, the fact that he was a passionate collector of his work from sunrise to sunset made it possible for us to assemble what may well be the largest collection extant of a single award-winning film designer’s lifetime work.” ”
Explore The DeCuir Collection
The DeCuir Gallery’s purpose is to showcase John DeCuir’s artwork and to educate future generations in Art and Production Design. Sample photos are available below. You may also tour the gallery in person or browse the collection online for free.
In person: Visits to the collection in Wilmore, Kentucky, USA are limited and by appointment only. Inquiries may be made to jim.owens@asbury.edu.
Online: To browse the free online collection, visit the Designs page.
EXPLORE ACADEMY AWARDS
Fun fact: did you know we have an Oscar at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky? The DeCuir family gifted Asbury University’s John DeCuir Production Design Studies Center an original Oscar from DeCuir’s award-winning film, The King and I.
Learn more about John DeCuir Sr, or contact us for your chance to view an Oscar in person.
Explore the Asbury University School of Communication Arts
The Production Design Studies Center is part of the Asbury University School of Communication Arts, which includes two departments with multidimensional majors: the Department of Communication & Theatre and the Department of Media, Journalism & Digital Storytelling.
Web and Virtual Reality Tours:
First Floor
Second and Third Floors
Explore OFFERINGS AT Asbury University
The Production Design Studies Center is not the only way to learn at Asbury University. Sample our other offerings to begin your journey…
Free Production Design Lessons…
5 Pillars of Design by John DeCuir, Jr.
The Five Pillars of Design is a collection of instructional videos from John DeCuir, Jr. explaining the process of creating the narrative environment from the script to the screen. Start learning for free!
Short & Affordable…
Micro-credentials & Digital Badges
The eAsbury Digital Badges are short, affordable “mini” courses (3-5 hours of work) offered offered entirely online. Complete individual badges or “stack” them to earn an entire micro-credential, which you can share with prospective employers.
Free Masterclasses for Young Adults…
ImpactU Online Masterclasses
Get a taste of filmmaking, acting, or adventure leadership from expert professors at Asbury University. Originally started as a series of residential high school camps, ImpactU now offers online content with free previews of Asbury University academics.
College Course on Production Design…
Taught by John DeCuir, Jr.
John DeCuir, Jr. has worked as a film production designer for many films including Ghostbusters, Cleopatra, Hello Dolly, Taming of the Shrew, Muppet Vision 3D, and Top Gun. He was also a Disney designer, who, as a part of Imagineering, designed the EPCOT World Showcase and the iconic EPCOT ball. He teaches Production Design at Asbury.
Begin your journey…
Asbury University Degree Programs
Online majors include Digital Content Creation and Instructional Design & Media. Graduate programs include the M.A. in Digital Storytelling; the M.A. in Instructional Design, Innovation & Leadership; the MFA in Film & Television Production, and the MFA in Screenwriting.
Asbury University presents…
Highbridge Film Festival
Held annually each spring at Asbury University, this showcase of student films is one of the top cultural events in Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. Inspiring, promoting & supporting creative storytelling for young people around the world, the event celebrates student achievements in the visual arts.