“MassArt at the Library” Returns for its Third Year of Engaging Summer Arts Workshops
- Press Release
- 3D Arts
- Fashion Design
- Visual Storytelling and Comic Arts
Boston, MA – MassArt at the Library is returning for another summer of connecting people to art through workshops at public libraries. The program, sponsored by 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 join in art-making, connect with MassArt faculty and students, and explore the possibility of an arts and design education or creative career path.
“As the nation’s only public independent public art and design college, MassArt advances a greater vision for the role of art and artmakers across the Commonwealth— and around the world. Central to that work is bringing creative opportunities directly into local communities,” said MassArt President Mary K. Grant. “We deeply value our partnership with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and are excited about the way MassArt at the Library empowers young people to explore creative opportunities and recognize themselves as artists, makers, and future leaders.”
“MassArt at the Library” Comic Arts workshop led by LJ Baptiste, at Gloucester’s Sawyer Free Library. Photo courtesy MBLC.
Art education reduces stress, increases focus, and helps kids and teens connect, reducing social isolation. Yet, 78% of MassArt at the Library participants said that without this programming, they would not have access to art classes in the summer. Now in its third year, the program boasts at-capacity attendance and an overwhelming positive response from participants who want more MassArt offerings at libraries, and say they learn something new at the workshops.
“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 series kicked off on July 21 at Gloucester’s Sawyer Free Library with a Comic Arts workshop led by instructor LJ Baptiste. Participants learned about storytelling structure and techniques for understanding a character they are creating and developed their own four-panel comic strip with their original characters.
The MassArt at the Library series will be hosted at the following public libraries: Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester, Woburn, and Watertown. Students of all artistic abilities are welcome, with no prior experience required. Each session includes comprehensive arts instruction in a particular subject area and free program supplies and materials.
The following upcoming workshops are being offered:
MassArt Sustainable Fashion Workshop at Woburn Public Library
July 27 at 1pm
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. Learn more about the workshop and register.
MassArt Aluminum Pour at Watertown Free Library
July 31 and August 1 at 1pm, both days
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. Register for day 1; Register for day 2.
MassArt at the Library Summer Art Workshop series is sponsored by Massachusetts College of Art and Design with support from Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
###
About Massachusetts College of Art and Design (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. For more information, visit massart.edu.
About Massachusetts BOARD OF LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS (MBLC)
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.
MEdia Contact
Temple Gill
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
tgill@massart.edu617-879-7068
