150 years ago, on May 16, 1870, Massachusetts passed An Act relating to free instruction in drawing , which has become known as the Drawing Act of 1870 . This was the first law in the nation requiring drawing to be taught in public schools and communities, passed by our own Massachusetts legislature!
Drawing at School: 1870-2020 – Exhibit Dates to be Determined
MAEA would like to celebrate the progress art education has made over those 150 years.
Please note we have had to make adjustments to this exhibit. It was previously planned to be installed during April vacation. We are hoping to run the exhibit during the summer, but with most schools not currently in session, the exact dates of this exhibit are to be determined. We will update the details for this exhibit as soon as we have more information.
When details are finalized for this exhibit we invite all teachers to submit up to 6 student drawings and 1 personal drawing for the show. All students are welcome from early childhood through college.
Questions? Email exhibitions@massarted.com
Drawing Act 150 – A Great Opportunity for Remote Learning
Help celebrate the 150th year of the Drawing Act by asking your students, their families, and your colleagues, friends and family to create a small drawing of something seen every day.
The Drawing Act Coalition* invites everyone to contribute original drawings to celebrate this anniversary. Drawings could be a tree outside your window, your keys, a parking meter, or a family member’s face. One of the possible public displays includes a community art installation at the Massachusetts State House this May. See the attached flyer for all the details!
Who can participate in Drawing Act 150?
Everyone! We welcome submissions from anyone across Massachusetts. Please note, The Drawing Act Coalition is requesting that submissions be sent in digitally (photograph of the work or digital drawing) instead of mailed in.
Deadline and More Information
The submission deadline for drawings is currently April 29. See the attached flyer for more information.
Questions? Email DrawingAct@MassArt.edu
