Walter Isaacs (1886-1964) After studying art at the Academie Colorossi in Paris during the 1920's, Walter Isaacs came to the University of Washington upon the invitation of Henry Suzzallo, the University President at the time. He chaired the growing Department of Painting, Sculpture and Design and developed it into one of the best art schools in the country. At the same time, he pursued his painting career, doing portraits, figurative works and interior scenes inspired by European style.