School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts facts for kids
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| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Established | 1876 |
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Parent institution
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Tufts University |
| Accreditation | NASAD AICAD |
| Dean | Scheri Fultineer |
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Academic staff
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135 full- and part-time |
| Undergraduates | 301 |
| Postgraduates | 149 |
| Location |
,
,
United States
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| Campus | Urban |
| Website | smfa.tufts.edu |
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The School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University (often called SMFA at Tufts or just SMFA) is a special art school. It is part of Tufts University, a private university in Massachusetts. SMFA is known for teaching both studio arts and other subjects like liberal arts and science.
This school works closely with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. SMFA is also a member of a group called the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD). This group includes many top art schools in the United States.
Contents
History of SMFA
The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, started in 1876. For many years, it was located in the basement of the original Museum building. In 1909, the museum moved, and the school moved into a temporary building nearby.
A permanent building for the school was finished in 1927. This new building was much larger. It had better classrooms, art studios, and a library.
In 1945, the Museum School and Tufts College began working together. They created a program to train art teachers. Later, they added more joint programs. Students could earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree starting in 1956. A Master of Fine Arts degree program followed in 1966.
In 1987, the school building was made even bigger. This expansion added an auditorium, a larger library, and more studios. It also created a big central area called the Katherine Lane Weems Atrium.
In 2016, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts officially became a part of Tufts University. This made it a dedicated art school within the university.
Since late 2022, a new train line connects the SMFA campus directly to the main Tufts University campus. This makes it easier for students to travel between the two locations.
What Students Learn at SMFA
Students at SMFA are encouraged to create their own unique study plans. They do not have to pick just one main subject or "major." Instead, they can choose from many different art areas. This lets them focus on what they are most interested in.
Some of the art areas offered include:
- animation
- ceramics
- drawing
- film and video
- graphic arts
- painting
- photography
- sculpture
- virtual reality
Students also study visual and material studies (VMS). This includes subjects like art and architectural history, and film.
One special part of SMFA is the "Review Board." This is where students show all the artwork they have made during a semester. Two teachers and two other students lead these reviews.
Students have many chances to show their art. They can display it at the SMFA building or on the Tufts campus. There are also special events like the annual SMFA Art Sale. The school has several galleries where students can exhibit their work.
The main SMFA campus building is next to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Most art studios and classrooms are here. This building also has the SMFA Cafe, the W. Van Alan Clark, Jr. Library, and the School Art Store. Another building, about a quarter mile away, has studios for graduate students. It also has classrooms and workshops.
The W. Van Alan Clark, Jr. Library
The W. Van Alan Clark, Jr. Library is the art library for Tufts University. It has many books and other materials about modern art and studio practices. The library's collection includes books, videos, magazines, and special artist's books. These special books can only be viewed in the library by appointment.
Notable People from SMFA
Many talented artists and creative people have been part of SMFA.
Teachers at SMFA
- David Aronson, a painter and sculptor.
- Marilyn Arsem, a performance artist.
- María Magdalena Campos-Pons, an artist who uses photography, performance, and sculpture.
- William McGregor Paxton, a painter and co-founder of The Guild of Boston Artists.
- Karl Zerbe, a painter who led the Painting Department for many years.
Famous Alumni of SMFA
- Will Barnet, a painter and printmaker.
- Jan Brett, a well-known illustrator of children's books.
- Al Capp, the cartoonist who created "Li'l Abner."
- Jim Dine, a famous painter and printmaker.
- Nan Goldin, a photographer.
- David Lynch, a film director.
- Lois Mailou Jones, a painter.
- Richard Scarry, a beloved illustrator of children's books.
- Cy Twombly, an abstract painter.
- Peter Wolf, a musician known as the lead singer of the J. Geils Band.
See also
- Bad Girrls Studios
- Cowles Art School
- Boston Expressionism
- Boston School (painting)
