Stories Archive

A Summer of Making: Alumni Maker Days

From hands-on workshops and evening programming to free MFA admission and new MassArt swag, here are five reasons to return to campus for the inaugural Alumni Maker Days this July.

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Two women smile and talk at a classroom table during Maker Days, with others working in the background.

Fusing Service and Creative Work: MassArt Alumna Shares Her Thoughts as an Older Student

Brett Poza returned to MassArt to pursue an MFA at 60—bringing with her decades of experience as an art therapist and a lifelong commitment to storytelling.

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A large, twisted tree with a wide, curving trunk stands in a forest clearing, its earthy texture and painted look reflecting the creative work of a MassArt alumna surrounded by slender trees with sparse leaves.

Through the MassArt Looking Glass: Nancy Callan Takes Students Down Memory Lane

MassArt alum Nancy Callan returns with Blown Away judge Katherine Gray, showcasing collaborative glassblowing and inspiring students through hands-on demonstration and mentorship.

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A group of about 30 smiling people pose together in an industrial MassArt workshop, surrounded by metal equipment and work tables. Some are standing, some kneeling, and many flash peace signs—a perfect stroll down memory lane.

From MassArt to Manhattan Landmarks: Alumnus Michael Plofker Shares Lessons from His Distinguished Architecture Career

Architect Michael Plofker reflects on historic preservation in New York City, Plaza Hotel restoration, and Lincoln Center/66th Street subway station underground gallery.

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A balcony with a red brick floor overlooks Central Park and the Manhattan skyline at dusk; the city’s lights glow, while large windows reflect warm interior light—an inspiring view for anyone considering an architecture career.

Designing Touch: Advancing Accessibility Through Art, Design, and Technology

Associate Professor of Fashion Design Cara Tuttle and MassArt students partnered with Tatum Robotics to design a specialized glove for a robotic hand that communicates through tactile ASL—expanding communication access for the DeafBlind community.

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Bringing Glass to Life: Tracy Silva Barbosa’s Journey from New Bedford to MassArt

MassArt alumna Tracy Silva Barbosa on her journey from New Bedford to becoming a glass artist.

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A woman with dark hair smiles outdoors in front of a colorful glass art elevator tower and a bridge on a sunny day. The sky is clear and blue, echoing the vibrant creativity of Tracy Silva Barbosa, a MassArt alumna.

MassArt Students and Alumni Combine Forces to Tune Into the Science of Sound

MassArt and TERC bring creative installations together with research on soundscapes and learning.

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Five MassArt students and alumni stand side by side in front of a gallery wall displaying pencil sketches and a sign titled “sonicxhibit.” The group appears relaxed, posing for a photo in the well-lit Science of Sound exhibition space.

MassArt Celebrates 2025 Common Good Awards Honorees

The third annual MassArt Common Good Awards brought together artists, alumni, and community leaders from across the Commonwealth to celebrate the power of art and design.

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