Copley Society of Art

The Copley Society of Art, originally known as the Boston Art Students Association, is America's oldest nonprofit art association. Founded in 1879 by the first graduating class of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, it was formally established to maintain ties among alumni and to support their artistic endeavors.

History

The origins of the Copley Society date back to the 1870s, a period marked by growing interest in the visual arts in Boston. In 1877, the School of Drawing and Painting (later renamed the School of the Museum of Fine Arts) began its first classes, setting the stage for the Society's creation two years later. Initially, membership was restricted to those affiliated with the Museum School, but by 1891, it was expanded to include patrons and artists without this affiliation.

Over the years, the Society has played a significant role in showcasing the works of prominent artists. Notable exhibitions include the "Memorial Exhibition of the Works of James McNeil Whistler" in 1904, which attracted over 41,111 visitors, and works by Claude Monet and Auguste Rodin in 1905. The Society also hosted European selections from the "International Exhibition of Modern Art" (later known as the Armory Show), featuring works by Marcel Duchamp, Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh.

Mission and Activities

The Copley Society is dedicated to promoting the visual arts and supporting its artist members by providing exhibition opportunities. Today, it represents over 300 living artist members, featuring a diverse range of styles from traditional and academic realism to contemporary and abstract art.

The Society hosts between 15 and 20 exhibitions annually, including solo shows, thematic group exhibits, juried competitions, and fundraising events. One of its most popular events is the annual "Fresh Paint" auction, where selected artists paint in the city over the course of a day, and their works are sold through a silent auction with some pieces included in a live auction at the end.

Membership and Structure

Membership within the Copley Society includes various categories, such as Copley Artist (CA) and Copley Master (CM), with the latter status achieved by winning awards in juried exhibitions. Artists must apply through a preliminary process and be accepted by the Membership Review Committee.

In addition to artist memberships, the Society offers patron memberships to support its educational and community outreach programs. These memberships provide benefits such as invitations to exhibitions, advance notice of events, and discounts on gallery purchases.

Education and Community Outreach

The Copley Society engages in several educational initiatives, including workshops and partnerships with local schools. It has also established programs like the CoSo Circle to promote art among young professionals.

Legacy

The Copley Society has been instrumental in establishing the careers of numerous prominent artists in Boston. Through its diverse exhibitions and community outreach, it continues to play a vital role in promoting the arts in the region.