Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s signature event raises funds for scholarships and programs, ensuring access to a world-class art and design education.

BOSTON, MA, February 18, 2025—The MassArt Auction, one of Boston’s most anticipated art and design events, returns for its 36th year on Saturday, March 29, 2025, celebrating creativity, community, and the power of art to transform lives. A cornerstone of Boston’s arts scene, the Auction has raised more than $1 million per year over the past decade, with proceeds directly supporting scholarships and academic programs that make an exceptional art and design education accessible to all.

“The MassArt Auction is more than a beloved tradition—it’s a powerful celebration of creativity that fuels the future of the arts and design,” said MassArt President Mary K. Grant. “Thanks to the generosity of our incredible community, we are expanding access to a world-class education, empowering the next generation of artists, designers, and educators to make their mark on the world.”

Featuring nearly 300 works of art by emerging talents, rising stars, and internationally renowned artists, the MassArt Auction offers a rare opportunity to collect one-of-a-kind pieces that inspire and endure. From striking contemporary paintings and thought-provoking sculptures to finely crafted jewelry and original works, the Auction showcases an extraordinary range of artistic expression. Each work is not only a testament to the artist’s vision and expertise but also directly contributes to the scholarships and academic programs that shape the future of creative industries.

Led for the sixth year by esteemed Auction Chair Elizabeth Lowrey (H’19), the 36th Auction Committee meticulously selected this year’s artwork through a jury process from over 1,300 submissions. Participating artists have the option to contribute 50% or 100% of their sale proceeds to MassArt, further supporting the College’s mission.

“MassArt is committed to making art and design education accessible to everyone regardless of financial circumstance,” said Lowrey, Auction Committee Chair, MassArt Foundation Director and a Principal at Elkus Manfredi Architects. “Boston is a shining example of how a creative economy of talented individuals contributes to and advances innovation. Every year our community of sponsors and supporters show up to demonstrate their commitment to MassArt and the calibre of education evident in the students and their work.”

Original works at the Live Auction include pieces such as “The Original Nine Daughters” by globally renowned Kenyan American artist Wangechi Mutu whose collages, drawings, sculptures, and film explore questions of self-image, gender constructs, cultural trauma, and environmental destruction. “Dance 4.” will also be available from one of Britain’s most influential living visual artists, Julian Opie whose portraits have a “pop art” feel and reduce subjects to essential lines and color planes. Among the pieces available in the Silent Auction is Fashion alumna Eva Maskalenko’s (BFA ‘20)  “Hearts Chess Side” and a pair of 3D printed earrings from Ryungjae Jung’s “The Motion” series.

Bidding will take place online via Bidsquare, with both the Live and Silent Auctions opening on March 17, 2025, at noon EST. All artwork will be available for in-person viewing on campus from March 17 through March 27, by appointment.

A highlight of the evening is “Raise Your Paddle,” a special fundraising initiative benefiting MassArt’s Mastodon Student Emergency Fund, which provides critical financial assistance to students facing unexpected hardships that may impact their ability to continue their education.

More than just an auction, this event is a celebration of art, generosity, and the future of creative education. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a first-time buyer, the MassArt Auction offers an extraordinary opportunity to support artists, invest in education, and bring home a remarkable piece of art.

For tickets and more information, visit massart.edu/auction.

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FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Live Auction | Design and Media Center, MassArt
Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Live Auction with Auctioneer Karen M. Keane, MassArt Board of Trustees Chair and Chairman Emerita at Bonhams Skinner, and online on Bidsquare. Purchase your ticket to attend in-person.

Auction Public Previews | Design and Media Center, MassArt
Monday, March 17 – Thursday, March 27, 2025

Both the Live and Silent Auctions will be posted on Bidsquare and open for a two-week period of bidding, starting on March 17. All of the Auction artwork will be installed and the exhibition available to view on-campus by appointment.

For additional information, visit massart.edu/auction or contact auction@massart.edu.

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About MassArt

The only independent public college of art and design in the country, MassArt was founded in 1873 in response to a bold idea: art and design are essential to our daily lives, and key to improving our society and economy. What began as a school to teach drawing is today a bold, comprehensive art and design institution that spans 18 undergraduate and nine graduate programs, certificates, continuing education, and post-baccalaureate study.

Press Photos

Images and photo sheet available here.

Banner image: Eva Maskalenko, “Hearts Chess Side,” 2020. Courtesy of the artist. Lot 164B featured in this year’s Silent Auction.

Media Inquiries

Amanda Karr, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
MassArt
akarr@massart.edu