150 years ago on May 16, 1870, Massachusetts passed An Act relating to free instruction in drawing, which has become known as the 1870 Drawing Act. This declared drawing instruction a vital part of public school education. MAEA is partnering with the Drawing Act Coalition to sponsor a community art installation to be displayed some time in the fall of 2020. This installation was planned for the spring but has been postponed due to the the COVID-19 outbreak. 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. Drawings could be a tree outside your window, your keys, a parking meter, or a family member’s face.
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. Besides submitting your physical drawings, share your drawings to social media with the hashtag #DrawingAct150. Please note your 4×4 drawings will not be returned.
The submission deadline for drawings has been extended through the summer of 2020. A specific deadline will be shared as it has been finalized.
You are also invited to plan and host your own local celebrations of the Drawing Act with a temporary community exhibition of drawings! Send the information to DrawingAct@MassArt.edu so we may make a listing of local displays or exhibitions.
Read all the important details below or click here to print a handy flyer.
Check out the resources below to help you plan your Drawing Act 150 work of art.
Drawing Act 150/Human Made Object – A resource by Alice Gentili
Drawing Act 150 – A resource by Katie McEwan
Questions? Email DrawingAct@MassArt.edu
