Your art’s been displayed in many public settings — from Boston’s Prudential Center to Peloton storefronts in New York City. Why is it important for art to be shown in public places?

Art needs to be everywhere because art is for everybody. Institutions can be cold and intimidating. And some people are kept out and they’re told they don’t belong. When we take art that’s been shown in museums and share it in more public settings, it helps create a sense of belonging. It allows wonder to exist in very ordinary moments, which then seeps out into the world. And why not make the world more beautiful?

What advice would you give to a MassArt grad hoping to pursue a creative career?

I’d tell them the path isn’t straight or narrow. You’ll need to be self-directed and committed to your practice. But if you’re leading with your heart and if you’re willing to ask for help, doors will open. Community is everything and your people are out there.

You’re going to pay your dues first. You’ll have a lot to learn when you leave MassArt, and that’s okay. Life is learning, so stay curious. Learning how you fit and how you can flip the world upside down is what prepares us to challenge the status quo — it’s what makes us important as artists.

When you think about the future of MassArt, what makes you most excited?

I remember seeing some MassArt students on Project Runway shortly after graduation and thinking about how MassArt turns out some big names in the art world. So I can’t wait to see what future generations of MassArt grads can do and how their work intersects with new art forms and technology.

And I’m excited to see the College embracing a more interdisciplinary curriculum and helping students develop a broader practice. Students are learning about the business side of things and how to support themselves. They’re learning how to create the professional experience that they want while contributing to our ever-changing world. When I visited recently, I noticed a lot of consciousness and connection happening on campus and a very active student body. I’m really hopeful and excited for them.

Any final thoughts?

Art is a lifelong practice, and MassArt instills that in you. MassArt helps you understand your value, know your worthiness to practice what you love, and see yourself as a necessary component of society. MassArt reminds you that creative minds are needed everywhere. You matter.

Fine Arts Lecture Series

Each year, the Fine Arts 2D & 3D departments host lectures featuring groundbreaking artists whose work has been recognized in their fields.

Past visiting artists include Matt Bollinger, Ambreen Butt, Walton Ford, Chie Fueki, Michelle Grabner, Josephine Halvorson, Polly Apfelbaum,, Lavaughan Jenkins, Byron Kim, Troy Michie, Sangram Majumdar, Meleko Mokgosi, Daniela Rivera, Duane Slick, and Alexandria Smith.

As their studies begin, Painting majors focus on core techniques and skills. Heavy emphasis is placed on drawing, from both observation and imagination. Students work mainly with oil and acrylic painting, in order to explore the main components of the language of painting, such as form, space and light articulation, composition, and color. Students also participate in frequent individual and group critiques to foster independent thinking, the construction of conceptual frameworks, and the ability to discuss and contextualize their practice in meaningful ways.  

As students progress, they are introduced to advanced techniques and processes – exploring mixed media, digital drawing, abstraction, and expanded painting, all while being encouraged to experiment and grow as individual artists. Seniors work on self-defined degree projects in painting, and develop a command of both technical and conceptual elements of painting towards the articulation of meaning.

Alumni

Graduates of MassArt’s Painting program pursue varied careers, as professional independent artists, curators, educators, art dealers and gallerists. They are equipped with the vision, knowledge and skills to navigate the art world and make a meaningful impact on the field of painting and beyond.