The U.S. Naval Academy has a long tradition of art, dating back to the first decades of its existence. Founded in 1851, the Department of Drawing taught Midshipmen the skills of mechanical and topographical drawing, the use of mathematical instruments, painting, and application to surveying, naval and civil architecture, and steam engineering. Admirals Dewey and Sampson were among the Midshipmen to study under this course of instruction. In 1898 the department was converted into the Department of Steam Engineering and Drawing, reemphasizing the connection between the artist and engineer seen as far back as the innovative genius of Leonardo da Vinci.

In 1899, Park Benjamin, U.S.N.A. Class of 1867, designed the Naval Academy crest still which still remains in use. He also published Shakings & Etchings, a book containing illustrations of Midshipmen life. Throughout the centuries, Midshipmen art has continued to capture the life of Brigade in various publications, such as the Naval Academy yearbook, the Lucky Bag.

Various incarnations of Midshipman art clubs have continued to develop while producing work to boost spirit and represent the Brigade. The 1970 Lucky Bag reported that the Brigade Art and Printing Club reached new heights by putting their designs in Sports Illustrated and around the moon. Today, the Brigade Art Club continues the long tradition of Naval Academy art, promoting the gentleman scholar and future officer by studying the work of master artists and practicing the artistic skills of attention to detail, spatial awareness, creation, and self-expression.