Massachusetts College of Art and Design facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Type	Public art school
Established	1873; 152 years ago (1873)
Accreditation	NECHE
Academic affiliations	AICAD Colleges of the Fenway NASAD Professional Arts Consortium
President	Mary K. Grant
Academic staff	302
Students	1,941
Undergraduates	1,682
Postgraduates	259
Location	Boston , Massachusetts , United States 42°20′13″N 71°05′59″W / 42.336809°N 71.099614°W / 42.336809; -71.099614
Campus	Urban
Nickname	MassArt
Mascot	Mastodon [1]
Location in Massachusetts

Massachusetts College of Art and Design, also known as MassArt, is a public college in Boston, Massachusetts. It focuses on visual and applied art. Founded in 1873, it is one of the oldest art schools in the United States. MassArt is also the only publicly funded independent art school in the country. It was the first art college in the U.S. to offer an art degree.

History of MassArt

In the 1860s, important leaders in Massachusetts wanted to improve learning. They helped create new schools for technology and fine art. One of these was the Massachusetts Normal Art School, started in 1873. Its main goal was to train drawing teachers for public schools. It also trained professional artists, designers, and architects.

The school moved several times in Boston. In 1886, it got its first own building. Later, in 1929, it moved to a new campus. In 1983, MassArt moved to its current location. This campus was once used by Boston State College. The area around MassArt is called the "Avenue of the Arts." This is because many art and cultural places are there.

Key Moments in MassArt's History

• 1870: A law made drawing a required subject in Massachusetts public schools.
• 1873: The Massachusetts Normal Art School was founded.
• 1886: The school got its first dedicated building.
• 1901: The first person of color graduated from the school.
• 1905: Alumnus Albert Munsell created a famous color system.
• 1924: It became the first art school to grant a degree. This was a Bachelor of Science in art education.
• 1929: The school's name changed to Massachusetts School of Art.
• 1940: A sculpture by faculty member Cyrus Dallin, Paul Revere, was put in Boston.
• 1950: The school started giving Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees.
• 1959: The school was renamed Massachusetts College of Art.
• 1969: The Studio for Interrelated Media was started. This was one of the first interdisciplinary art programs.
• 1983: The school moved to its current campus.
• 1989: MassArt opened its first dormitory, Walter Smith Hall.
• 2007: The college's official name became Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
• 2016: The Design and Media Center opened. It added new space for the college.
• 2020: The MassArt Art Museum (MAAM) opened.

What Students Learn at MassArt

MassArt offers different art and design degrees. You can earn a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. There are also master's degrees in Art Education, Fine Arts, Architecture, and Design Innovation. MassArt also has programs for high school students. These programs can help you prepare for college. They also offer classes for professional artists.

The first year at MassArt is called the Foundation Program. Students learn the basics of 2D and 3D art and design. All students must take art studio classes and Critical Studies courses. About 30% of MassArt students are from diverse backgrounds.

Traditions and Events

The "MassArt Iron Corps" holds "Iron Pour" events several times a year. During these events, hot molten iron is poured into molds. This creates unique sculptures. These events used to include music and dance. Now, fewer people can attend for safety reasons.

The 2D Fine Arts department has an annual Master Print Series. A visiting artist works with students and teachers. Together, they create professional art prints.

The MassArt Auction is an event held in April. Important artworks are sold to raise money. This money directly helps students with scholarships.

MassArt Art Museum

The MassArt Art Museum (MAAM) is a free contemporary art museum. It opened in February 2020 on MassArt's campus. It was previously known as the Bakalar and Paine Galleries. The museum was renovated and given a new name. It now has a bigger mission to share art. The renovation was supported by a $12.5 million fundraising project.

The entrance to MAAM is next to the main entrance of MassArt. This entrance is in the Design and Media Center building.

MassArt Campus

One of MassArt's main buildings is the Tower Building. The red brick building on the left is now the Design and Media Center, which is the public entrance to the campus.

MassArt's main campus is at 621 Huntington Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. It has a mix of old and new buildings. Most of its academic buildings were once part of Boston State College.

MassArt is on Huntington Avenue, known as "The Avenue of the Arts." Many other famous places are nearby. These include the Museum of Fine Arts and Harvard Medical School.

The Campus Center was renovated in 2009. It now has a new glass front, food services, and a bookstore. It also has ReStore, a student-run shop. Students can get free art supplies there.

In 2016, a former gym building became the new Design and Media Center. It has modern media labs, classrooms, and galleries. This building also serves as the main entrance to the campus.

Getting Around Campus

The MassArt campus is served by the MBTA Longwood Medical Area stop. This stop is on the Green Line E branch. It is right next to the Campus Center. Buses also stop at this location.

Parking near MassArt is very limited. Students and staff can apply for paid parking spots. Visitors can use metered parking or commercial garages.

Campus Buildings

MassArt's academic campus has six connected buildings. These are Kennedy, South, Collins, North, East, and Tower. There is also an enclosed courtyard in the middle. The 13-story Tower Building is a main feature. It has a dark glass front. The Morton R. Godine Library is on the top two floors. The President's Office is on the 11th floor.

The new Design and Media Center building is the main entrance. It has a large lobby for art installations. It also has modern media labs and classrooms. A graphic timeline shows MassArt's history. It highlights achievements of students and staff.

Art Galleries

There are at least seven galleries on campus. Students can use these for their art shows. These include the Arnheim, Brant, Doran, Godine Family, Frances Euphemia Thompson, and Student Life galleries. The Pozen Center is a space for larger events and performances. It is on the ground floor of the North Building. The Design and Media Center also has gallery spaces.

Artworks are also displayed all over the campus. You can find them in hallways, stairwells, and outdoor areas. Students can install their art almost anywhere, after a safety check.

Where Students Live

The campus has three student dorms. They are across the street from the main campus. These are "Treehouse," Smith Hall, and "The Artists' Residence." All dorms have 24/7 security. They also have internet, cable, and meal plans. Each dorm has a director and student assistants.

Smith Hall is for first-year students only. It has suite-style living spaces for 3 to 5 students. It also has studio workrooms on each floor.

The Artists' Residence ("The Rez") houses freshmen, upperclassmen, and graduate students. It is a 9-story building. It is the first public dorm in the U.S. made for art students. It has studio spaces and a spray room on the top floor.

Treehouse is a colorful 21-story dorm tower. It was designed with ideas from MassArt students. Its outside look was inspired by Gustav Klimt's painting, The Tree of Life. Treehouse mostly houses first-year and sophomore students. It has suite-style rooms. The second floor has a Student Health Center. The third floor has a game room, study room, laundry, and a kitchen.

Other Cool Places at MassArt

MassArt students can use many common college facilities. These include a cafeteria, café, school store, and library. There is also a health center, counseling center, and fitness center.

MassArt has some special facilities too. These include a working letterpress lab. It has over 500 wood and metal type fonts. There are also 10 art galleries, studio spaces, a spray booth, and a woodworking shop. You can also find a digital maker's studio, sound studio, and glass studio.

Through the Colleges of the Fenway group, MassArt students can use facilities at five other nearby schools. This includes their libraries, sports, and theater resources. MassArt students also get free entry to several museums. These include the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Famous People from MassArt

Notable Teachers at MassArt

See also

In Spanish: Colegio de Arte y Diseño de Massachusetts para niños

• Colleges of the Fenway