MassArt at the Library is returning for another summer of connecting people to art through workshops at public libraries.

The program, sponsored by The Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), places MassArt faculty and student ambassadors in public libraries so that children and teens can experience the benefits of art creation, learn about the creative process, connect with MassArt faculty and students, and explore art as a possible career path.

“As the Commonwealth’s public college for art and design, MassArt is proud to bring creative opportunities directly into local communities,” said MassArt President Mary K. Grant. “We are thrilled to be working with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to put on programs like MassArt at the Library and help young people see themselves as artists, makers, and future innovators.”

MassArt and the MBLC piloted the program last summer to at-capacity attendance and an overwhelming positive response from participants. All participants said that they wanted more MassArt offerings at libraries and that they learned something new at the workshops.

Art education reduces stress, increases focus, and helps kids and teens connect, reducing social isolation. Yet, 78% of MassArt at the Library participants said they do not have access to art classes in the summer.

“This partnership breaks down barriers to art education. It brings faculty and students from one of the best art schools in the nation right into local neighborhoods for free so kids and teens can experience the personal and academic benefits of art education,” said MBLC Director Maureen Amyot. “We are grateful to MassArt for continuing the series for another summer.”

The MassArt at the Library series will be hosted at the following public libraries: Fall River, Lowell, and Malden. Students of all artistic abilities are welcome, with no prior foundation in the Arts required. Each session includes comprehensive arts instruction in a particular subject area and free program supplies and materials.

The following workshops are being offered:

MassArt Sustainable Fashion Workshop (Lowell) – July 22 at 6pm
At this fun and interactive workshop participants learn about sustainable fashion and ways to get involved to be a voice for positive change. MassArt Fashion Design Chair and Professor Jennifer Varekamp will share some exciting sustainable fashion ideas and lead participants in an interactive and creative project where each participant can contribute their own creative ideas and learn how to make an impact toward a more sustainable future.

MassArt Aluminum Pour (Fall River) – August 6 at 2pm
Under the guidance of MassArt Fine Arts 3D faculty Marjee-Anne Levine and current MassArt students, participants carve their own design into a “scratch block” (a pre-formed mold made of resin-bonded sand) and watch as the design is cast in metal. Aluminum will be melted on site and poured into the scratch blocks created by each participant. Within minutes the metal will solidify and be cooled and finished by the MassArt team. Each participant will walk away with their own custom cast aluminum art.

MassArt Comic Arts Workshop (Malden) – august 14 at 4pm
The workshop provides an opportunity to deconstruct the comic creation process in an engaging and accessible way that applies to a wide range of skill sets. It introduces the storytelling structure and starts with a simple activity where students sketch different shapes on their pages. MassArt Comic Arts instructor LJ Baptiste will demonstrate how these shapes can be fleshed out into full characters. Participants will learn techniques they can utilize to understand a character they’re creating and develop their own 4 panel comic strip featuring one of their original characters.

The Summer Art Workshop series is sponsored by Massachusetts College of Art and Design with support from Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

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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.