Art Programs
Programs in Art and Arts Administration provide students with opportunities to explore various ways of making and thinking through drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture, while also learning about the diverse arts industry and its ecosystem. Students who study art make regular use of the opportunities presented by the superb cultural atmosphere of Boston.
World Class
Boston area museums and cultural organizations serve as your classroom. Students at Simmons are challenged to consider their own creative production and that of others in a cultural and social context through their study of art and music history. Simmons' location in the heart of Boston's cultural district provides unique opportunities for both study and work as part of the art and music curriculum.
The collections of the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are regularly incorporated into the course work of both art history and studio courses. Simmons students automatically receive free admission to these museums so that they may take advantage of them often to do research, draw and learn more about the collections. The Trustman Art Gallery, on the main campus, has earned a reputation as one of the finest venues in the area featuring contemporary work by Boston-area artists. Gallery talks and lectures with these artists are a regular part of the academic calendar.
Experience
Internships at local arts and cultural organizations give students experience in the field of art. Students have recently completed internships in the American Paintings department and the Islamic department of the Museum of Fine Arts, the Handel and Haydn Society, Art New England, The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, as well as galleries and community arts organizations.
Recent alumnae have gone to graduate school in museum studies, law, business, education and psychology. Recent alumnae currently hold positions with the following organizations:
- Professor of Art History
- Objects Conservator, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Visual Artist, Broad Institute, MIT, Artist-in-Residence
- Curatorial Coordinator, Portland Museum of Art
- Gallery Director, Pace MacGill, NY
- Public Relations Associate, Boston Ballet
- Defense Attorney, Worcester, MA
We are committed to providing the breadth of education and the skills you need to be a successful leaders in whatever professional field you select.
Art Faculty
Colleen Kiely
Professor
Loretta Park
Assistant Teaching Professor of Art and Director of the Trustman Art Gallery
Shout-outs by Art students and alums
Bridging Public Art and Public Service
Art history major Cathie Behrend ’70 recently received a Legacy Award from the 92nd Street Y in New York City. We spoke with her about receiving this honor, her love of art and public service, and her Simmons experience.
Practicing Social Justice via Arts, Archives, and Community
Aislinn Doherty ’25 reflects on expanding her leadership skills as a Bonner Leader, and making it her mission to get involved with as many organizations and opportunities as possible while at Simmons.
Six Students Selected for the 2025 Senior Scholar Award
Ginjer Doherty ’25, Aviva Foster ’25, CJ Haggard ’25, Theo Hatfield ’25, Lili Malatinszky ’25, and Grace Walters ’25 have been selected for the prestigious Senior Scholar Award at Simmons University. Sponsored by the Provost’s Office and the Office of Research and Fellowships, the Senior Scholar Award recognizes outstanding scholarly research across different disciplinary fields.
Discovering Purpose and Community through Art, Service, and Song
Arts Administration major Calla Savelson ’24 shares how she gained professional experience and build a community for herself during her time at Simmons.
Simmons Welcomes Passionate Leaders Project Scholars for Spring 2024
The Passionate Leaders Project (PLP) supports Simmons undergraduates by enriching their academic and professional interests beyond the boundaries of a conventional classroom. Students may request up to $4,000 to support their research, internships, and creative endeavors. This semester’s cohort comprises student-scholars producing original research on healthcare for seniors, fashion sustainability, and the intersection of the arts, social justice, and gender-expansive agency.
Passionate Leaders Project: Spring 2023 Cohort
The Passionate Leaders Project (PLP) supports Simmons undergraduates by enriching their academic and professional interests beyond the confines of the classroom. Students may request up to $4,000 to support their research, internships, and creative endeavors. This semester's cohort is producing...
Autumn Luz on Balancing "Speed," Creativity, and Physical Limitations
Arts Administration major and Dix Scholar Mary Garcia Charumilind '12 was highlighted by Jazziz Magazine for her debut original single, "Heat," released in late 2022 under her stage name Autumn Luz . More recently, she was featured in Glide Magazine...
Jane Carney ’17 Supports Living Artists as Art Consultant at Boston Art, Inc.
Arts Administration major Jane Carney '17 on her pivot from auctioning "old master's" art at Christie's New York to selling the work of living artists at Boston Art, Inc.
Art Programs in the News
Meet Your Orientation Leaders: Emily Marder '23, Katelyn Fox '25, Kiki Regan '23, Sophie Bredensteiner '23, and Tess Federico-Maietta '23
Emily Marder '23 is a Nursing major from Lynnfield, Massachusetts. Emily explains why she became an Orientation Leader: "I had fond memories of my orientation and liked how the Orientation Leaders were able to foster a community feeling and connect...