Artward Bound 2023

ARTWARD BOUND

CREATE YOUR WORLD

ARTWARD BOUND

Mission

Artward Bound’s mission is to bring local voices of color to the forefront of the art and design industry. Artward Bound is the nation’s first art-centric college prep program. We support Boston-area high school students (without access to the arts) from freshman year through graduation. The Artward Bound program allows students to learn and practice their art, develop academic skills, and build community among peer artists and designers — all free of charge on the MassArt campus.

Dear Friends,

We are thrilled to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of Artward Bound. At MassArt, we are deeply committed to creating access and opening up opportunities to everyone. As the nation’s first and only independent public college of art and design, MassArt was founded on the idea that an art and design education enhances the well-being of individuals, communities, and economies. Since then, we’ve spent 150 years demonstrating the truly amazing things that happen when a world-class education is an option for every deserving student. Simply put, MassArt is a community of artists, designers, and makers from all walks of life, creating work that provokes and educates, bridges division, and fosters shared understanding.

For over 10 years, Artward Bound has extended that important mission to include talented and passionate Boston-area high-school students — outstanding young creatives with bold dreams of becoming artists, designers, makers, creative leaders, and innovators. Through intensive and holistic programming, our dedicated, hardworking staff provide Artward Bound students with the tools and support to succeed at the college level and beyond. Once they complete the program, Artward Bound students go on to lead and transform our communities, generate innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing us today, and build sustainable and equitable futures. They embody the limitless potential of art and design to make our world a better place, and it is our privilege and joy to support them on their journeys.

Thank you for celebrating this important milestone with us!

President’s Note

Mary K. Grant, PhD MassArt President

CREATE YOUR WORLD

10-Year Celebration

In 2008, former MassArt president Kay Sloan had a vision to create pathways for Boston students to access MassArt. After three years of planning, Artward Bound launched with a group of 30 young artists. Since then, over 160 students have come through the program. Artward Bound students cultivate their skills and contribute to shaping the MassArt community to reflect the world we strive to live in.

This booklet celebrates the maturation of the Artward Bound program from a great idea to a national model. We are grateful to everyone who has been part of Artward Bound’s journey, and we look forward to the next 10 years of inspiring the next generation of artists, designers, educators, and entrepreneurs!

Through the Years

2008

Kay Sloan, MassArt’s 11th President, initiates a working group on pathways for high school students to MassArt. Surdna Foundation provides a grant for program planning.

2009

Jennifer Kilson-Page, consultant to MassArt on diversity and access, and Sandy Weisman, Director of Gallery Education, co-lead a year-long planning effort.

2010

Planning for recruitment of the first cohort and hiring of the first AB Director. Anne Marie Stein, Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education, and Liz Reiser, Director of Youth Programs co-lead the build-out of the program. Funding is secured for program launch from the Surdna Foundation, the Harold Whitworth Pierce Charitable Trust, and the MacMillan–Stewart Foundation.

2011

Tracey Boler is hired as Artward Bound’s first Director. The first cohort of 30 students is welcomed - 15 rising 8th graders and 15 rising 9th graders. Initial recruitment is every other year.

2012

Artward Bound moves to Smith Hall, the first space on the MassArt campus dedicated to Artward Bound.

2013

Elisabeth Dorsey is hired as Artward Bound’s second Director. Recruitment of Cohort 2.

2014

Carolyn Lewenberg becomes Acting Director of Artward Bound.

2015

Recruitment of Cohort 3. From this point forward, Artward Bound recruits a new class every year. The first half of Cohort 1 graduates. Chandra Méndez-Ortiz is hired as Artward Bound’s third Director.

2016

The Artward Bound Scholarship is officially created. The second half of Cohort 1 graduates. Artward Bound Ambassadors, a group of student leaders, is established in the summer of 2016.

2017

Cohort 2 graduates. Artward Bound launches a new four-year curriculum model to support students in developing their college portfolio and artistic practice. The first-ever Artward Bound logo is designed collaboratively by Artward Bound student Gersom Rivera and MassArt alum Scott Keosung.

2018

The largest AB class yet, Cohort 6, is recruited with 17 students.

2019

Launch of AB Zone (inspired by Artward Bound student Jose Rodriguez), a venue for academic support. The Office of Justice Equity and Transformation (JET) is created in response to MassArt’s Strategic Plan. Artward Bound and Compass officially join the JET Office. Artward Bound moves to the Tower Building, 11th floor. Cohort 3 graduates.

2020

Artward Bound shifts to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cohort 4 graduates with a farewell speech at graduation by MA State Representative Ayanna Pressley.

2021

Artward Bound returns partially to the MassArt campus. Cohort 5 graduates. A trio of Artward Bound alumni graduate from MassArt, the first students to complete the eightyear high school to college model. Six students from Cohort 5 enroll at MassArt, the largest group yet.

2022

Artward Bound returns fully to the MassArt campus. Cohort 6 graduates. Artward Bound receives an award from the City of Boston for Sustainable Futures.

2023

Cohort 7 graduates. Launch of new Artward Bound logo, designed by MassArt alum Xinlin Huang. After pandemic-related delays, Artward Bound celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

Impact & Success

MassArt believes in affordable and accessible pathways to learn and develop lifelong artistic and academic skills. Artward Bound students have tremendous opportunities to learn and grow, and have an impact on the program and the wider college community. For many students, Artward Bound is a home away from home. During their four years, they grow comfortable being a part of the MassArt community where they take classes and participate in the life of the college. They make friends, recruit new students, lead events, and help shape the curriculum. They know their voice matters and that gives them the confidence to bring those skills into their college and work experiences. The City of Boston and Mayor Michelle Wu formally recognized the impact and success of Artward Bound and MassArt in the summer of 2022 for their ability to enhance the city through innovation and creative expression.

Impact

Graduation/College Acceptance Rate

Artward Bound students graduated from high school

Artward Bound alumni enrolled in two- or four-year college

Artward Bound alumni studying art & design in college

100% 96% 64%

Artward Bound alumni attending MassArt

Artward Bound Students

Artward Bound family income below 80% Boston AMI

First generation college students Students who learn differently

92% 46% 31%

21 Neighborhoods & Nearby Cities Represented:

Back Bay, Brighton, Brockton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dedham, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, North End, Quincy, Revere, Roslindale, Roxbury, Sharon, South Boston, Stoughton, West End, West Roxbury

34 Schools:

Academy of the Pacific Rim, Another Course to College, Boston Collegiate Charter School, Boston Community Leadership Academy, Boston Green Academy, Boston Latin Academy, Boston Latin School, Boston Prep Charter HS, Boston Trinity Academy, Brockton HS, Burke HS, Cathedral HS, Charlestown HS, City on a Hill Charter Public School, Cristo Rey Boston HS, Dover-Sherborn HS, EMK Academy for Health and Science, English HS, Excel Academy, Excel HS, Fenway HS, Henderson Inclusion School, John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, Josiah Quincy Upper School, Madison Park Technical School, Mary Lyon HS, Match Charter Academy, Muñiz Academy, New Mission HS, Roxbury Prep HS, Sharon HS, Snowden HS, Stoughton HS, TechBoston Academy

Data of all students from 2015 — 2022

Where are AB students coming from?

Located on the Avenue of the Arts in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, MassArt’s Artward Bound provides access to local young artists from diverse backgrounds, traveling to MassArt from 21 neighborhoods and 34 different schools.

Tamara Castang, Cohort 6

Artist Success

Artward Bound is the only four-year arts and academic college preparatory program in the country. Students who continue their education at MassArt at the college level will receive an additional four years of support through the Compass Program, a support program for first-generation college students. Combined, this provides students with eight years of support at MassArt. MassArt is deeply committed to providing consistent, supportive, and affordable opportunities for emerging artists and designers from all backgrounds to explore and expand their creative practice.

MassArt awards full scholarships to two exceptional Artward Bound graduates each year. The AB Scholarship provides four years of tuition, fees, room, board, and a $2,000 stipend for art supplies and books. Artward Bound alumni have the skills, experience, and talent to question the status quo, craft new narratives, and imagine possibilities of the future.

Cohort 7 seniors hold their college acceptance letters.

“Artward Bound has really helped Ezekiel and Elias come out of their shell. Being able to speak publicly about what they’re making, what they’re doing, or what their thoughts are has been huge. And just even dealing with personal anxieties — I see two confident young men which I don’t think would have happened without Artward Bound.”

— Beliza Moriarty, Cohort 2 & 3 Parent

2023 Artward Bound Scholar

“I really love to draw, try new mediums, and learn any new skills Artward Bound offers. I want to become an artist and work for either a book company or as a sculpture artist. In my opinion, being an artist is to have a passion and to carry that passion through any kind of medium that you could possibly get your hands on.”

Julia Davis, Cohort 7

Snowden International High School

Interest: Sculpture/Illustration

Intended college in Fall 2023:

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

“For me, Artward Bound was a second home. I loved going there after school or during the summer so I could live out my passions and make friends along the way. I’ve met so many great people here that will support other students and me to an unlimited extent.

I’m grateful to have spent the last four years of my life here without a doubt.”

—

Julia

2023 Artward Bound Scholar

“As an artist, my artwork is inspired by my emotions, and random sparks that I get from listening to music, or in day-to-day life. Those flickers of inspiration make me pick my tools to tell a story through art. I find myself using my art to portray stories or simple emotions through the use of pencil, color/ink pencil, digitally, or any medium that can reflect what I want to create.”

Cristal Medrano, Cohort 7

Match Charter Public High School

Interest: Graphic Design/Illustration

Intended college in Fall 2023:

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

“Having been involved in Artward Bound almost all throughout high school has allowed me to meet wonderful people in the community and made me flourish as an artist, as a person, and as a future incoming art student at MassArt. I was someone who was too shy but with a lot to say. If it weren’t for Artward Bound, I would not discover that there is a way for me to express my passion as an artist. Not only that, I was taught how to develop my art skills and explore myself through different mediums like charcoal, colored pencil, ink, and many more. The Artward Bound program holds a lot of meaning for me. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else, and I can’t imagine a life without this small art community we had created.”

— Cristal

Outstanding Alumni

Artward Bound Alumni have gone on to two- and four-year colleges throughout the country. More than half choose to continue their education at MassArt. These alumni have gone on to pursue their passions, earn degrees, and become leaders in many communities and careers. The following outstanding alumni are a few of our recent graduates who embody the spirit of mentorship, dedication, and creativity that represent the values of the Artward Bound community.

Shurvina Ethlyn Iona Heraldo

Cohort 6, Snowden International High School, MassArt ‘26

Shurvina joined Artward Bound in the summer of 2018. Through her art, vision, and voice, Shurvina wants to leave the world better than she found it. In the future, she hopes to find a profession that allows her and others to tell their stories and leave a positive mark on this planet in more ways than one. She will walk in the light and dare to be bold, and fill this world with love, glitter, and gold. She received the Artward Bound Scholarship and is attending MassArt, intending to major in the Studio for Interrelated Media.

“I was part of the Artward Bound program for the full four years as a timid young artist who thought that true artistry and or mastery was only when an artist could achieve a photorealistic skill level. Four years later, I realized that this was in fact, far from the truth. As I have continued to grow within the program, I have gotten involved with many other creative outlets in Boston such as the Street Team of the Radical Imagination for Racial Justice program. I soon realized the power within my art, my voice, and my vision and that true mastery knows no timeline.”

Ja’Hari Ortega, Cohort 1, MassArt ‘21 BFA SIM

Outstanding Alumni

Kai Buffonge

Cohort 6, Josiah Quincy Upper School, MassArt ‘26

Kai Buffonge joined Artward Bound in the summer of 2018. His dream is to illustrate album covers and movie posters in the future. He received the Artward Bound Scholarship and is attending MassArt, intending to major in Illustration.

“Artward Bound helped me realize that becoming an artist was both possible and something that I wanted to do. I’m still amazed by how much better my skills became during my time at AB. Each year was eye-opening and I hope my eyes continue to open further as I move on to MassArt.”

Taylor Adams-Bass

Cohort 3, Brockton High School, MassArt ‘23

“Hello there! My name is Taylor Adams-Bass and I am an aspiring children’s book illustrator that works primarily with gouache, cut paper, and the digital art program Procreate. I am passionate about creating illustrations and characters that capture the eye and make you feel like you are within the whimsical world while also being informative and educational! My artistic goal is to create children’s books that have more diversity within them and that teach children valuable lessons that will be remembered and used while growing up. Currently, I am in the process of finishing my last year of college at MassArt. I am also doing freelance work for The New York Times and planning out my first children’s book that teaches and gives children the option to learn about who they want to be when they are older.”

@tayloradamsbass

www.tayloradamsbass.com

Outstanding Alumni

Ezekiel Moriarty

Cohort 2, Fenway High School, MassArt ‘21

“Currently, I work at Harvard as a wood shop monitor and will be starting a new job as a carpenter. I’ll also start teaching in 2023 at the Elliot School. In between all that, I want to continue to evolve my sculpture practice. Right now I am fascinated by electronics and weaving them into my wood and metal forms. I love things made of junk and kipple.”

@zekemoriarty_

Gabriela Moreno

Cohort 5, Boston Latin Academy, MassArt ‘25

“Hello! My name is Gabriela Moreno and I am a sophomore Painting major at Massart. I mainly work with oil paints and stretch my own canvases. I love to paint but I am planning to become an art therapist and work with children. Here at MassArt, I am taking classes in psychology through their connections with the Colleges of the Fenway. I hope to help children or any person in need with the abilities that I have gained.”

@gabrielamomo_

Program Structure

MassArt Staff, Students & Alumni

Youth Programs

9 10 11 12

Artward Bound, in collaboration with Youth Programs, provides students with four years of artistic enrichment. Students typically begin their Artward Bound journey in the summer, taking part in academic mornings and artistic afternoons, including courses curated by Youth Programs. In the spring and fall, students attend classes after school, focusing on skills and techniques that will provide them with the most success post-high school.

Throughout their four years, Artward Bound students spend up to 560 hours in academic classes & tutoring and 1,015 hours in Studio classes for a total of 1,575 hours of seat time.

Compass

Artward Bound

Citizen Artist

Artist Toolbox / Design Concepts

Artist Toolbox

9th - 10th Grade

In their first year, students develop their drawing skills with a focus on line, value, form, and proportion. They work from direct observation, still life, and the human figure, as well as from their imaginations. Students also develop foundational 3D skills, by exploring clay, cardboard, wire, and plaster. By the end of this course, students are more confident artists and have a body of work demonstrating skill and personal expression.

Tam Nguyen, Cohort 9

Design Concepts

9th - 10th Grade

Once students have gained fundamental skills in illustration, observation, and proportion, they take Design Concepts — a course designed to build upon foundational experience through multi-material programming. In this course, students develop an understanding of the fundamentals of graphic design in paper and digital media, and they push their thinking to solve complex design problems.

Citizen Artist

11th - 12th Grade

Designed specifically for advanced students, Citizen Artist allows students to take the first steps in pursuing their desired future. Over the course of the semester, youth curate their college portfolios, develop the skills to talk about their work, and define their independence as budding professional artists through self-exploration.

Cristian Beato-Cedano, Cohort 4

Dual Enrollment

10th - 12th Grade

Students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades with GPAs higher than 2.5 are eligible for Dual Enrollment, allowing them to get credit for both high school and college. These courses, taught by MassArt faculty, are designed to give students a taste of what college art classes are like. Artward Bound students can earn up to nine studio elective credits which can be used to lessen their course load once they reach college.

ZONE &

ACADEMICS

“AB Zone is pretty cool because of the staff that help students with academics. I am reminded that aside from art, core subjects like math and English are also fundamental to my success as a student.”

Using feedback from Artward Bound student ambassadors, the AB Zone launched in the spring of 2019 with the goal of rethinking how Artward Bound provides academic support. Each Monday, students gather to complete homework, work one-on-one with the Academic Team, prepare for college, and strengthen their art skills. The Zone’s largely self-directed format encourages students to develop relationships outside of their art classes, help each other, learn to work independently, and practice self-advocacy.

Students also develop reading, writing, and math skills, and improve work and study habits during the Summer Semester morning classes. Art projects are informed by the literacy and math skills gained during the summer, which also put them on track with a toolbox for college.

“Artward Bound really focuses on telling students how they can use art and academic skills to approach situations in life. I’m grateful as a math teacher to be able to develop a curriculum that was fun and engaging, and that was able to connect to the arts in a fun way.”

— Tam Nguyen, Cohort 9

— Katrina Jackson, AB Zone Instructor

Summer Courses

The Artward Bound summer is a six-week, fullday experience designed to build art, academic, and social-emotional skills. The program kicks off with a full week of team building followed by five weeks of academic and studio art classes. In the mornings, students are engaged in math and ELA courses designed to prepare them for the next year of high school. In the afternoons, students take both Artward Bound and Youth Programs classes. In these studio intensives, they experiment with multiple mediums ranging from painting to plaster, and explore a variety of disciplines including illustration, fashion, metalsmithing, videography, and animation. The summer program ends with field trips and an exhibition of students’ artistic and academic work.

Mentorship

“When I think about AB mentors, the first thing that pops up in my mind are silly, ridiculous, fun, but very helpful friends.”

“Being an AB mentor gave me a supportive environment where I could take on more responsibility in a job than I had before, and inspired me to pursue an interest in arts education and working with youth.”

“Mentors have been a huge help this year with keeping us on track with our artwork and making classes more exciting.”

Mentors are an integral part of the Artward Bound Program. AB Mentors are MassArt undergraduates who work with Artward Bound students in the academic year and the summer term. They help AB students demystify the post-high school experience by sharing their own challenges and successes, and by modeling the artistic, academic, and life skills that allow them to thrive in college and beyond. This mentorship allows MassArt students to get practical, hands-on arts education job experience, which fuels them to pursue careers in the field.

“Mentor role has been and will always be an eye-opening experience. For me as an artist, the students’ motivation, drive, and passion have actually kept my creative flame burning even on the most stressful days outside of work. In a way, I see myself in a lot of them. I could remember the days of working on my portfolio or figuring out what my art style could be. Being a mentor has been the most rewarding job I have ever done. Thank you for the experiences and growth.”

— Xena Truong, Cohort 5

— Elliot Papp, Mentor

— Aliyah Pruitt, Cohort 4

— Bedelyn Dabel, Mentor

Aliyah Pruitt, Cohort 4

Jenna Musto, Cohort 3

Xena Truong, Cohort 5

Mauricio Lopez, Cohort 7

Elias Moriarty, Cohort 3

Omar Diaz, Cohort 7

Yoana Pierre-Louis, Cohort 7

Tamara Castang, Cohort 6

Cam Allen, Cohort 8

Jeremiah Dailey, Cohort 4

Akim Owens, Cohort 3

Ruth Melendez, Cohort 8 Francheska Quiñones-Romero, Cohort 7

Keyrin Diaz, Cohort 7

Kai Buffonge, Cohort 6

Draven Liu, Cohort 6

Kalim Gavin, Cohort 6

Lissa Frometa-Paulino, Cohort 3

Keavon Green, Cohort 3

Community & Partnerships

Community is at the heart of the Artward Bound experience. It is important for high school students to envision themselves as college students by participating in the life of the college. Students receive college IDs which provide access to the library, cafeteria, and the same classrooms where college students work, socialize, and learn. In their final summer, students have the opportunity to live in the dorms and take college-level classes through Youth Programs. Throughout their journey, they learn, grow, and collaborate with different departments and programs, such as experiencing exhibitions in the MassArt Art Museum (MAAM) or working as a teacher’s assistant in Youth Programs. They can also work with sparc! the ArtMobile, an initiative of MassArt’s Center for Art and Community Partnerships (CACP).

Community Days & Field Trips

Since 2011, Artward Bound has consistently brought students to art-enriching and community-building venues. Such places include The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), The DeCordova Museum, The MassArt Art Museum (MAAM), The Rose Art Museum, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), The Huntington Theatre, The Wang Theatre, and many more.

MassArt is located in the heart of Boston, providing students with an important connection to the vast educational, cultural, artistic, and community resources of the surrounding neighborhoods. Artward Bound believes in the power of community and the importance of seeing ourselves reflected in the wider culture and broad career opportunities of Boston and beyond. Cultural and Career Day programming happens every semester through all four years of the program. Career Days focus on career exploration where leading artists and designers discuss their practices, journeys, and lessons learned. Cultural Days include dinners, art-making activities, artist workshops, and field trips to connect students, alumni, and their families to the wider Boston cultural community.

AB Ambassadors

Artward Bound Ambassadors is a team of student leaders focused on spreading the word about Artward Bound through marketing campaigns and content creation to raise awareness, recruit new students, and connect with funders. Modeled on MassArt’s Student Government Association, AB Ambassadors also create programming and organize events for the community.

MassArt Partnerships

In 2019, the Office of Justice, Equity, and Transformation (JET) was created in response to MassArt’s Strategic Plan. The JET office guides and leads work systematizing practices of equity at MassArt through the transformation of campus culture by offering learning and teaching opportunities, mentoring, and pathways. In 2019, Artward Bound became part of JET’s pathways, deepening connections that create access and opportunities to art and design education for high school students.

Youth Programs

JET

Justice, Equity, and Transformation

Artward Bound Compass

Celebrating 20 years, the Academic Compass Program is a support program for firstgeneration college students. Artward Bound alumni who attend MassArt are part of the Academic Compass Program where they receive mentoring and support as they transition into the college’s academic, creative, and social spheres. Artward Bound and Compass continue to develop rigorous creative and critical thinking skills in young artists and designers so they can thrive as their most authentic selves. This pathway is uniquely MassArt, a high school to college model of art and design education.

MAAM

MassArt believes in the importance of a quality arts education beginning in elementary school. Youth Programs offer diverse programs for students in grades 3-12 that give students the ability to access the power of the arts for their future success. Artward Bound students take Youth Programs classes at no cost. Alumni often teach or assist in Youth Programs classes after their experience in Artward Bound.

CACP

Center for Art and Community Partnerships

MassArt’s Center for Art and Community Partnerships (CACP) partners with people and communities within and beyond MassArt to radically expand access to transformative creative experiences. CACP provides community-building and learning opportunities for AB Mentors through its monthly PartnershipWORKS sessions for MassArt students engaged in community work.

MassArt Art Museum (MAAM) is Boston’s only free museum of contemporary art and proudly serves as the teaching museum for MassArt. MAAM is committed to educating, inspiring, and empowering future generations of artists, designers, and educators — both on-campus and beyond. Through MAAM’s ongoing relationship with Artward Bound, AB students are invited to find inspiration in exhibitions on view and are introduced to career opportunities in the museum field.

MassArt Art Museum

Critique

Critique is at the heart of what we do at MassArt. Critique helps us to reflect, refine, reimagine, and rework our ideas and images into the most powerful and successful expression of our thoughts and feelings. Student critiques are an opportunity for young artists to present their work for feedback at the end of each semester to their peers, faculty, and special guest artists in a supportive environment.

Families are invited to take part in Artward Bound critiques. This is an opportunity for new and returning Artward Bound families to better connect with the program, learn about how the year is going, and stay engaged with the program.

Exhibitions

Creating and showing work is what artists do. At the end of the spring and summer semesters, Artward Bound hosts professional exhibitions curated by staff and students that showcase the strongest student work to the public.

These culminating exhibitions offer spaces for celebration and learning. Artward Bound students learn how to curate and install an art show and practice speaking publicly about their work. As we celebrate their achievements with family, friends, and community, students also receive valuable feedback and encouragement.

Dean’s Remark

Congratulations Artward Bound Students!

You illustrate, in your very being what hard work, what dedication, and what perseverance are. I am impressed by your focus and explorations for learning and growth as artists. I know you will continue to inspire those around you with your gifts, talent, and commitment to your authentic selves. I am looking forward to seeing what your bright futures will bring!

Lyssa Palu-ay Dean of the Office of Justice, Equity, and Transformation

Director’s Message

It is my hope that this booklet captures the creativity, passion, and dedication of our community. Artward Bound is an apt name that signifies both purpose and practice. It’s amazing to look back over the last 10-plus years to where we are today. We now have alumni who have graduated college and are out in the world as the next generation of artists and designers. So many friendships, memories, and experiences have been created, and a lot of art too! Most of the students and staff say that Artward Bound is a family. We spend years learning and working together asking the big questions, laughing, stretching, drawing endlessly, and pushing ourselves and each other to be the best creatives that we can be. All of us are trying to figure out our purpose and our path. To do that growing, figuring, and imagining in a place that cares — that gives you the resources and support you need is truly remarkable.

We have the opportunity to think generationally, to think about what the world needs in the next 10 years and beyond. Education, connection, and resources will always make the difference between “I wish” and “I will”. Ten years ago, Artward Bound was just an idea of creating a supportive program for Boston-area high school students of color to see MassArt as their public art school; to see themselves here, creating, drawing, designing, and making the field of art and design look more like Boston. Today, Artward Bound is a proven pathway to art school and a distinguished part of the college. MassArt is a more diverse, interesting, and dynamic place than it was before — and yet, there is still much to do, change, and cultivate in order to reflect the diversity of this great city. The fields of arts and design as well as most professional institutions are still lacking in the representation of people of color but things ARE changing. It’s exciting to know that the many students, staff, colleagues, families, partners, funders, and others that have been touched by this program will take these values and experiences to many other communities. We are proud of the many hands that have woven love and support into the fabric of a rich arts- and design-based education and are ready to welcome the next generation of creatives!

Truly, we are Artward Bound!

Chandra Méndez-Ortiz Executive Director of Artward Bound Co-Director, Radical Imagination for Racial Justice

Thank you for your generous support of Artward Bound. Your contribution helps to ensure that young artists have access to education, mentorship, and resources to pursue their passions. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and will make a meaningful difference in the lives of these talented students. Thank you for investing in the future of the arts and supporting the next generation of creative minds.

ARTWARD BOUND IS MADE POSSIBLE BY

BLICK

BOSTON AFTER SCHOOL & BEYOND CUMMINGS FOUNDATION

EDVESTORS, INC.

LIBERTY MUTUAL FOUNDATION

LLOYD G. BALFOUR FOUNDATION

INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN ASSOCIATION

MASSACHUSETTS CULTURAL COUNCIL

MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY EDUCATION

MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

RICHARD AND JEAN COYNE FAMILY FOUNDATION

ROSALIE THORNE MCKENNA FOUNDATION

SCHRAFFT CHARITABLE TRUST

SURDNA FOUNDATION

GENEROUS DONORS

CREDITS

Executive Director: Chandra Méndez-Ortiz

Visual Design: Xinlin Huang

Copywriting: Elena Belle White, Greg Linse, Cecilia Méndez-Ortiz, Chandra Méndez-Ortiz, Bethany Strohm

Photography: Julia Davis, Kelly Davidson, Damien Hickey, Scott Keosung, Greg Linse, Eli Miller

Cover Art (left to right): Keyrin Diaz, Gabriela Moreno, Ruth Melendez, Francheska Quiñones-Romero, Kalim Gavin, Tamara Castang, Draven Liu, Omar Diaz

MASSART.EDU/ABGIVE

MASSART.EDU/ARTWARDBOUND