About Maud Morgan Arts
Mission
Maud Morgan Arts builds community through the visual arts by connecting, inspiring, and enriching individual lives. Our studio is focused on the philosophy of process art making; our studio spaces are meant to experiment and take risks with art making. We envision a world where all people are enriched by the visual arts and inspired to explore their own creativity.
Naming Our Studio
Maud Morgan (1903-1999), was a well-known and beloved artist of great talent and vibrancy, and an Agassiz neighborhood resident. She lived her life deeply in art, and her spirit continues to inspire and guide Maud Morgan Arts Center. To read more about Maud, click here. To see examples of her artwork, please click here.
History
Maud Morgan Arts sprang from the vision of two forward-looking women, Wendy Prellwitz and Terry DeLancey, in 1992. They recognized the need for an art center in Cambridge for children, families, and professional artists. The 19th century carriage house standing behind the Agassiz Baldwin Community with its expansive yard and overarching trees became this opportunity.
The proposed art center was named in honor of Maud Morgan a neighborhood resident and noted artist. Maud Morgan was an artist of great talent and vitality who gave generously to younger generations and her community. Her spirit continues to guide the art center.
In 1999 the city of Cambridge issued a zoning permit to ABC to operate an arts center at 20 Sacramento Street. The capital campaign was launched and eventually raised $1.2M of the $1.4M goal. Contributions came from foundations, institutions, families, community leaders, neighbors, artists, and friends of Maud Morgan.
An unanticipated legal challenge delayed construction until the fall of 2010. At that point, the capital campaign reached its goal, the permit to build was issued, and construction began. In 2010 Maud Morgan Arts opened its doors and students of all ages enrolled in classes and workshops.
Program
Children, teens, established and emerging artists of all ages – create, teach, exhibit at Maud Morgan Arts. All who value the visual arts can choose from a wide range of innovative and imaginative visual art classes and programs.
Here at MMA, you can study with some of Boston’s finest professional artists in studios purposely designed for ceramics, printmaking, painting/drawing, and sculpture. Our classes, workshops and programs offer high-quality instruction to people of all ages, talents and income levels.
Architecture
Maud Morgan Arts is a work of art in itself. Nine Cambridge artists collaborated with the architects Prellwitz Chilinski to create site-specific public artwork that inspires creative exploration in a playful learning environment.
(Lobby image + stairwell image from Highland)
The light filled studios, the integrated artwork, the landscaping, the colorful accent walls, and the attention to details all enhance the experience of making art. Maud Morgan Arts is vibrant with creativity.
From nerej article of October 2010,”The building design is so successful” adds Terry Delancey, executive director of the Agassiz Baldwin Community. “Everyone loves it! It blends into the community fabric, but stands out as a beacon for all who value the visual arts — young and old, beginner and professional. It’s the perfect culmination of our vision for a welcoming hub for high quality, affordable classes and activities taught by highly experienced faculty.”
Land Acknowledgement
Maud Morgan Arts is located on the traditional homelands of the Massachusetts people. We recognize their close neighbors the Wampanoag and the Nipmuc.
Publications
Artsake
Boston Globe
Boston Mama’s Blog
Cambridge Day
Cambridge USA
Invaluable (Auction)
nerej