One of the first courses he took at MassArt was in early American furniture — an introduction to furniture design and also to historians, museum curators, and craftsmen. It directly helped him in his role at HACE. “HACE is extremely multidisciplinary, exactly like MassArt,” he says. “Conservators, architects, landscape architects, historians — we all work together. I learned the value of that at MassArt, how to not only appreciate the differences around me but also find similarities. All those people were in the same space and had done different things, and we came together and learned from one another.”

Through her work at PUAM, Guzman has created a culturally inclusive space that amplifies the voices and stories of immigrant residents while fostering community pride. She has led transformative initiatives, such as the Casa de Abuela project, an immersive placemaking experience that invites visitors into the heart of a traditional Dominican country home, and the Generations mural on Congress Street, a collaborative community mural created with artist David Fichter. Guzman is also spearheading Muñecas Sin Rostro (Faceless Dolls), an upcoming public art installation featuring seven outdoor sculptures in Salem’s Palmer Cove Park, set to celebrate Latino heritage and broader BIPOC culture in 2025.

Her work at PUAM has earned significant recognition, including a special mention in the 2020 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Urban Open Space Awards for its innovative use of creative placemaking to strengthen the community. In 2023, Guzman was also elected as a Commissioner for the Essex National Heritage Commission, honoring her contributions to cultural preservation and community development in Essex County.

Before her current role, Guzman spent over a decade at the architectural practice of Moshe Safdie, specializing in 3D architectural modeling and leading advancements in digital computing tools. Beyond her professional work, Guzman is an artist, designer, and advocate who co-founded expressive therapy programs at the Boston Rescue Mission and devotes significant time to mission work, community leadership, and creating art. As an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, she is passionate about giving back to her community locally and internationally, blending her artistic talents with a commitment to fostering cultural connections and growth.

Guzman will be celebrated alongside five other distinguished honorees, including May Chau (BFA Arts Education ’07, Arts Education), Visual Arts Supervisor for Somerville Public Schools; Shirley Ann Session Edgerton, community activist, educator, and founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program (R.O.P.E.); Toni Elka (BFA Painting ’86), founder of Future Chefs; photographer Thaddeus Miles, Senior Director of Diversity Initiatives at MassHousing and founder of the Black Joy Initiative; and acclaimed documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman. Each honoree will receive a custom-made, inscribed artwork by Sam Kim, a Lowell-based ceramics artist and MassArt graduate (BFA Industrial Design and Ceramics ’18).

“This year’s Common Good Award recipients reflect the many ways artists can drive societal change, change perspectives, and honor the diversity that helps communities thrive,” said President Grant. “Each of these recipients have demonstrated innovative work in education, community building, and advocacy and stand as a testament to the essential role that creativity plays in shaping our collective future. We are honored to recognize their contributions to the common good.”

The MassArt Common Good Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at noon at MassArt’s Design and Media Center (621 Huntington Avenue, Boston). The event is free and open to the public, though tickets are required.
For more information on attending the event or learning about the MassArt Common Good Awards, visit www.massart.edu/massart-common-good-awards.

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About Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)

Founded in 1873, Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the nation’s first public, independent college of art and design. The College is dedicated to fostering the creativity of artists, designers, and educators who will shape communities and culture for the common good.

About MassArt Common Good Awards

The MassArt Common Good Awards celebrate individuals and organizations who use art and design to make a positive impact on society. Honorees demonstrate the essential role of the arts in advocacy, education, and community development, contributing to the quality of life and problem-solving efforts in today’s world.

What do you remember most about your experience at MassArt?

There was the opportunity to explore — to really grow and lean into things I’d always been thinking about. Going in as an older, non-traditional student, I sometimes felt super out of my element. But I found (MassArt) so welcoming and inclusive. The classes were small, and the coaching and mentoring were so personal. I’ve never felt so challenged and then built back up. And I’ve never laughed so hard. I learned that it’s never too late to try. MassArt made it possible for me to earn a college education. 

How did your program shape your perspective?

I was in the architecture department and it was just mind-blowing to consider housing and structure in a way that was more human. We were thinking about environmental architecture and design as it affects us as people who interact with the world. It brought a softness to a strong-edged subject. It brought me an understanding of how the arts interact with all different sectors. 

How did that perspective lead you to where you are now?

I took those lessons and worked as a communications director for the Housing Assistance Corporation. I’d never worked in social justice before, but I went in with that MassArt confidence. Then, the executive director position at The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod opened up. I understood the sector, the needs and challenges, and how to work with artists. MassArt gave me the cachet to come in and be confident and fearless in a job like this one. The school thinks of its students as future leaders and entrepreneurs. I’ve now been here for eight years. 

What role do you see the next generation of artists and designers playing in society and in the world?

The arts no longer serve just one area. Artists are helping with mental health. They’re helping tell the story about lack of affordable housing. Artists are critical to our humanity. They’re rockstars—the rest of the community really learns from them. It’s so good for society to have an artist in conversations, to talk to somebody who sees the world in a completely different way. I see lots of openings for artists, art organizations, and community access to those things. And I’m excited because most people are starting to get on that same page.