Governor Healey Demands Transparency from ICE on Arrests in Massachusetts

Governor Healey Demands Transparency from ICE on Arrests in Massachusetts 

 

ICE’s own data shows majority of those arrested in Massachusetts have no criminal record 

 

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons demanding full transparency and accountability about ICE arrests and detention practices in Massachusetts. 

 

Governor Healey is demanding that ICE provide, in one week, complete and accurate information on every person arrested in Massachusetts since January 2025, including the identity of each individual, the legal basis for each arrest, case status, detention location, court jurisdiction, and upcoming hearing dates. 

 

In the letter, Governor Healey challenges ICE’s repeated claims that it is targeting the “worst of the worst,” citing the agency’s own public data showing that the majority of individuals arrested in Massachusetts have no criminal history. 

 

“Many of those taken into custody are long-standing members of our communities—parents, caregivers, and workers whose sudden detention leaves their families in crisis,” Governor Healey wrote. “This has had far-reaching consequences for their children, families, our communities, and the state of Massachusetts.”  

 

According to ICE’s own public statements, a May 2025 surge operation known as “Operation Patriot” resulted in 1,461 arrests in Massachusetts, yet 46 percent of those detained had no criminal charges or convictions. A second surge operation in September 2025, “Operation Patriot 2.0,” resulted in 1,406 arrests, with approximately 57 percent of those detained having no criminal background. ICE has released limited public information about only a small fraction of those individuals. 

 
The letter also describes specific cases that have been reported to the administration, including an 18-year-old high school honors student with no criminal record arrested while driving to volleyball practice; a mother of a quadriplegic child detained while going to work despite having an asylum application pending; a father with no known criminal history arrested at his worksite and transferred out of state away from his young children; a young man with no criminal record arrested outside of a local grocery store as a “collateral” arrest while standing near another individual ICE was targeting; and a father who lived in the United States for more than 20 years and was detained and transferred out of state, leaving behind two U.S. citizen children. Governor Healey notes that her administration has been unable to independently verify the full details of these cases because ICE has not provided information to state or local officials. 

ICE’s actions have undermined public safety and community trust, resulting in children not attending school, workers not going to work, patients missing health care appointments, and residents not coming forward as victims or witnesses.  

Governor Healey has filed legislation to keep ICE out of sensitive locations including courthouses, schools, child care programs, hospitals, and places of worship to strengthen protections for families and to ensure that federal immigration enforcement does not interfere with access to education, health care, and public safety services. She also signed an executive order directing state agencies to require judicial warrants for entry into non-public areas of state facilities, limiting the use of state resources for civil immigration enforcement, and restricting participation in federal 287(g) agreements absent a clear public safety need. 

51 Performing Arts Centers Awarded $3.6 Million through Massachusetts Gaming Mitigation Fund

BOSTON – Mass Cultural Council today announced that 51 nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers across the Commonwealth will receive a total of $3,568,500 through the Fiscal Year 2026 Gaming Mitigation Fund grant program.   Established by the Legislature through the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act, the Gaming Mitigation Fund provides critical support to Massachusetts performing arts centers to offset competitive pressures created by resort-style casinos. Grant funds are used to secure touring shows and help cover touring artist fees, helping local venues compete for nationally and internationally recognized acts.   “Mass Cultural Council is proud to support our performing arts centers and the communities they serve,” said David T. Slatery, Acting Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “These organizations are vibrant cultural anchors and powerful economic drivers. This funding ensures they can continue to attract exceptional touring performances, expand access to high-quality arts experiences, and strengthen local economies across Massachusetts.”   As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.   Now in the second year of a two-year grant cycle, all FY26 recipients previously applied for and received funding through the program in FY25. Individual grant awards this year range from $6,000 to $200,000. As directed by statute, Mass Cultural Council receives 2% of state casino tax revenues to administer the program. The Gaming Mitigation Fund is specifically designed to mitigate the direct competitive impact of casinos, which often operate with larger entertainment budgets and expanded amenities, and preserve the sustainability of nonprofit and municipal performing arts venues throughout the Commonwealth. Since its launch six years ago, the Gaming Mitigation Fund has invested more than $20 million in over 90 organizations statewide, strengthening the cultural infrastructure that makes Massachusetts communities vibrant places to live, work, and visit.

CITY OF BOSTON LICENSING BOARD APPROVES NEW LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS AND BEER AND WINE LICENSEE UPGRADES

CITY OF BOSTON LICENSING BOARD APPROVES NEW LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS AND BEER AND WINE LICENSEE UPGRADES

BOSTON — Friday, March 6, 2026 - The City of Boston Licensing Board yesterday approved new liquor licenses across Boston. The approved applicants are located in Allston, Chinatown, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, the South End, and West Roxbury. Additionally, the Boston Licensing Board approved applications from beer and wine licensees upgrading to non-transferable all alcoholic beverages licenses. The Licensing Board will send all the applications to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission for investigation and final approval.

“Boston’s small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods, creating connections and driving economic growth in every corner of our city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “By expanding access to licenses, we’re opening doors to opportunity for entrepreneurs and I encourage businesses across Boston to take advantage of these critical licenses and upgrades. We’re proud to support these local establishments as they grow and strengthen communities throughout our city."

After Mayor Wu and the Boston City Council filed a successful Home Rule Petition, Governor Maura Healey signed legislation on September 11, 2024, bringing 225 new liquor licenses to Boston. This new batch is the single largest addition to Boston’s liquor license quota since the end of Prohibition. With this influx, the City has the ability to support diverse local entrepreneurs and boost economic growth. Specifically, the legislation created:

• 195 zip code-restricted licenses (both all alcohol and beer and wine) in Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roslindale, Roxbury, South End, and West Roxbury, to be granted to the City over three calendar years
• 15 all alcohol licenses for community spaces, including non-profits, small theaters, and outdoor spaces
• 12 transferable all alcohol licenses
• 3 all alcohol neighborhood restricted licenses in Oak Square, Brighton

In early 2025, the Licensing Board approved 37 new liquor licenses. During the summer, the Licensing Board approved 21 neighborhood restricted licenses and three community space licenses. In late 2025, the Board approved four neighborhood restricted licenses and three transferable all alcohol licenses The list of applications approved today is as follows:

South End (02118)

• Agosto and Baby Sister, All Alcohol
• Bey, All Alcohol
• Nan Xiang Express, All Alcohol
• Perch, Beer and Wine

East Boston (02128)

• 355 Bennington Holdings, All Alcohol
• Italian Express, All Alcohol
• Pomona Cafe III, All Alcohol

Jamaica Plain (02130)

• Behan Caffe, All Alcohol
• Ethiopian Cafe, All Alcohol
• Third Cliff Bakery, Beer and Wine
• Ula Cafe, Beer and Wine

Roslindale (02131)

• Safari African Restaurant, All Alcohol

West Roxbury (02132)

• Maria’s Kitchen, Beer and Wine

In addition to the licenses approved under the 2024 legislation, the Licensing Board also approved restricted licenses originally created in 2006. These licenses are limited to specific geographic areas including Main Streets Districts, Urban Renewal areas, and Municipal Harbor Plan areas and cannot be sold. If a business closes or no longer needs the license, it returns to the Boston Licensing Board. The 2006 restricted licenses awarded are:

Allston (02134)

• Holdfast Specialty Seafood Rolls, Beer and Wine
• Tofu Story, All Alcohol

Chinatown (02111)

• Hunan Gourmet, Beer and Wine 
• Liuyishou Hotpot, Beer and Wine
• Shoyu Boston, Beer and Wine

As part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Massachusetts State Budget, the State Legislature gave municipalities across Massachusetts the opportunity to opt into legislation that allows licensees permitted to sell only wines and malt beverages to trade in their license for a non-transferable all alcoholic beverages license.  Mayor Michelle Wu introduced this legislation to the City Council and on September 20, the City Council approved the adoption of this legislation. On October 21, the Boston Licensing Board held an informational hearing to receive public feedback from licensees and opened a public comment period, which closed on December 3. On January 8, the Board voted on the final regulations. The guidelines include eliminating the need for a community process for anyone who has already completed the process in the past two years. The applicants approved today include:

Brighton

• Spring Shabu-Shabu

Downtown

• Silver Dove Afternoon Tea 

North End

• Ben Cotto 
• Pizzeria Regina
• Rocco’s Cucina and Bar

Theater District

• Viva Karaoke & Studios

“Each of these approvals represents a business that identified a need in its neighborhood," said Kathleen Joyce, Chair of the Boston Licensing Board. "We are pleased to approve all of the applications today and continue expanding opportunities for restaurants and small businesses across Boston. We encourage other prospective applicants to begin the process, as additional licenses remain available in 2026."

Potential applicants—both for new licenses and those interested in upgrading beer and wine licenses—are encouraged to start the process as soon as possible. The Mayor’s Office of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Office of Neighborhood Services, and Office of Small Business staff will continue to support potential applicants. The City of Boston Licensing Board hosts virtual office hours addressing the liquor license application process. Applicants can also make a drop-in appointment with the Boston Licensing Board at City Hall, Room 809 by contacting 617-635-4170 or emailing licensingboard@boston.gov. 

When reviewing additional applications, the Board will continue to factor in evolving neighborhood needs, market realities, the strength and sustainability of an establishment’s business plan, and the applicant’s ability to further economic growth for surrounding businesses.

Learn more about applying for a liquor license on the Licensing Board website.

Statement from Governor Maura Healey on Fishing Vessel Yankee Rose

Statement from Governor Maura Healey on Fishing Vessel Yankee Rose   

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey released the following statement regarding the fishing vessel Yankee Rose, based out of New Bedford, that was found capsized off Provincetown: 

“I’m heartbroken by the news that the fishing vessel Yankee Rose was found capsized, and my prayers are with the loved ones of the crew, first responders and our entire fishing community during this incredibly difficult time. 

“This is another devastating reminder of the dangers that come with life at sea and another tragedy for Massachusetts’ fishing industry and the families who make their living on the water, especially so soon after the loss of the Lily Jean in Gloucester. Fishing has defined the identity of coastal communities across the northeast for generations, bringing both the pride and the heartbreak that come with this work. Every time a vessel leaves the harbor, families understand the risks that come with this work, and moments like this are felt deeply across the entire industry. 

“I’m grateful to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Massachusetts Environmental Police and all local first responders who jumped into action and continue their search efforts. We are keeping everyone involved in our thoughts and continue to monitor the situation closely.” 

波士頓華埠居民一面倒 反對「中央插頁」酒牌轉移到史都華街新址

麻州參議員Nick Collins出席波士頓華埠居民會，表示支持居民，反對紅燈區夜店。
（周菊子攝）

                   (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導)近百名波士頓華埠居民會3月4日晚聚集在昆士小學飯堂，高舉手臂，異口同聲說反對「中央插頁（Centerfold）」把所有酒牌，從目前所在的Lagrange街這小巷子，搬到史都華（Stuart）街27-29號的大街去。

麻州參議員Nick Collins由華裔助理陪同做翻譯，表達他支持居民心意。（周菊子攝）

波士頓華埠居民會這晚舉行3月份例會，議程包括警察報告，ACDC報告RI地段發展動態，以及「中央插頁」這家脫衣舞夜總會想要把現有酒牌轉移到史都華（Stuart）街27-29號這新地點，爭取居民支持的陳情案。

「中央插頁」這家脫衣舞夜總會3名業主中的Ｎick DeFilippo和James McElwee這晚由律師John Connell陪同，親自到波士頓華埠居民會陳情。

Ｎick DeFilippo（左起）、James McElwee由律師John Connell陪同，親自出席
華埠居民會越會。（周菊子攝）

根據資料，「中央插頁」的3名業主，早在2019年時曾想把夜總會以1500萬元賣給休士頓的上市連鎖集團RCI，但新冠病毒疫情破壞了這筆交易，也讓他們陷入財務危機，這才於2021年以1000萬元把「中央插頁」所在的Lagrange街房產賣給了京盛頓（Kensington）投資公司。

由於“京盛頓”有意收回這房地產，重新開發，「中央插頁」東主不得不另謀出路，並為因應波士頓市“成人娛樂業”區域規劃法，找到了距離原址不到100英尺遠的史都華（Stuart）街27-29號，在2025年6月取得搬遷許可。

居民余佩英激動表示反對。（周菊子攝）

然而「中央插頁」若要在新址營業，還必須向波士頓牌照局取得酒牌轉移許可，向市長的消費者事務及牌照辦公室取得娛樂牌照轉移許可。

Ｎick DeFilippo和James McElwee，以及律師John Connell在居民會中強調，他們在Lagrange街營業25年來，除了幾宗和其他夜總會不一樣的違規案件外，一直都是好鄰居，也沒有凌晨2點大排長龍或大聲喧嘩的情況。

居民們紛紛舉手，表達反對意見。（周菊子攝）

麻州參議員Nick Collins這晚特地到場，派發給出席居民每人一份中文版的，致執照委員會主席Kathleen Joyce 的反對信，指出華埠居民曾努力消滅被稱為“戰鬥區（combat zone）”的紅燈區，好不容易才把紅燈區類夜店縮減到只剩2家，希望牌照委員會聆聽並尊重居民聲音。

華埠居民余佩英也即席發言，激烈反對。會場民眾隨後也幾乎全場舉手的投票表示反對。

刻正競選連人的麻州參議員Nick Collins(右）和他的幕僚長Haley Dillon在會場。
（周菊子攝）

波士頓華埠居民會這晚出席人數眾多。（周菊子攝）

華埠居民會月會現場。（周菊子攝）

Healey-Driscoll Administration Advances North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement Project, Job Creation

Healey-Driscoll Administration Advances North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement Project, Job Creation 

Project will create more than 15,600 jobs, expand rail capacity, and improve reliability for millions of riders in Massachusetts 

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced the next major step in delivering the North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement Project, a transformative infrastructure investment that will modernize a critical rail connection between Boston and Cambridge that serves the MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak’s Downeaster Service. 

 

The project is supported by a $472.3 million federal grant, the largest federal infrastructure award in MBTA history, and is expected to create more than 15,600 direct and indirect jobs across Massachusetts. 

 

At an event today joined by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Interim Secretary and General Manager Phil Eng, and members of the Ironworkers and union building trades who will help deliver the project, Governor Healey marked the signing of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) to support construction of the new bridge. This agreement will help ensure the project is completed safely, on time and on budget. 

 

“Replacing the Draw One Bridge is one of the most important rail infrastructure projects in Massachusetts history,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This project represents the kind of investments we are making in Massachusetts - creating thousands of good jobs while rebuilding critical infrastructure that keeps our economy and transportation network moving. This agreement will help ensure this project is completely safely, on time and on budget, and we’re proud to stand with our partners in labor to deliver this for the people of Massachusetts.” 

 

“Every week, more than a thousand trains rely on the Draw One Bridge to reach North Station,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Replacing this aging infrastructure will improve reliability, expand capacity, and strengthen rail connections across Massachusetts and Northern New England and support expanded regional rail service for years to come.” 

 

The project will be delivered under a PLA to promote strong collaboration between labor and contractors while supporting workforce stability and preventing construction disruptions. The agreement establishes consistent wages, safety standards, and working conditions for contractors and subcontractors, helping ensure the project is delivered safely and efficiently by a highly skilled workforce. The construction effort is expected to create more than 15,600 direct and indirect jobs and represents the largest Project Labor Agreement executed since Governor Healey signed an executive order to ensure major construction projects are completed safely, on time and on budget. 

 

“Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects like the North Station Draw 1 Bridge replacement. We are proud of the jobs that work like this will create and support,” said Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “This Project Labor Agreement is invaluable to the successful delivery of Draw 1. It provides labor stability, harmony, and predictability for this highly complex, multi-year construction effort, which will replace two movable bridges dating back to 1931 while ensuring the MBTA can maintain active rail operations and service for the public. I am honored to be part of this Administration, standing side by side with our labor partners who bring specialized skills and expertise to this complex work.” 

 

“Local 7 is proud to stand with our brothers and sisters in the building trades as we work to build a better Boston,” said Vinny Coyle, Business Manager, Iron Workers Local 7. “PLAs have been proven time and again to not only support union jobs, but also to ensure that projects are completed safely, on-time and on- or under-budget. Governor Healey recognizes this fact, which is why she has supported PLAs on public construction projects. We are eager to get to work on these major infrastructure projects and do our part to make sure our public transit systems are the safest and highest quality in the industry." 

 

“PLA’s guarantee safe working conditions, fair wages, good health insurance, and a secure retirement for workers,” said Frank Callahan, President, MA Building Trades Council. “Every man and woman who labors in the construction industry deserves that. Time and time again PLA’s have been shown to be the most effective way to provide career opportunities in construction to women, people of color, and veterans. Governor Healey understands that fact – which is why she has been such a strong supporter of PLA’s on public construction projects. We are proud to stand here with her today." 

“Project Labor Agreements guarantee that projects are completed on time and on budget with the safest, most highly trained, and most inclusive construction workforce around - workers who also make good wages and benefits that allows them to stay in our state and invest in our local communities,” said Chrissy Lynch, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO. “We are proud to partner with the Healey Administration to put more people to work building up the infrastructure that connects millions of workers, employers, students, and families across the Commonwealth.”  

“Project labor agreements do more than deliver projects on time and on budget, they deliver opportunity,” said Chaton Green. Business Agent, Greater Boston Building Trades. “My own career began because of a PLA. Through a PLA, I became a union Sprinkler Fitter, started making a living wage, earned retirement benefits, healthcare for my entire family, and the security to plan for the future. And more importantly, I was able to stay in my community, support my family, and contribute and give back in a meaningful way to the city I love. Governor Healey understands the power of PLA’s, and that’s why we are proud to partner to make that story a reality for more families.” 

“The North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters are proud to partner with the Healey-Driscoll Administration to deliver this transformative infrastructure project,” said Joe Byrne Executive Secretary Treasurer of NASRCC. “Project Labor Agreements ensure that work like this is completed safely, on time, and by highly trained professionals and apprentices which creates family-sustaining careers and opportunities for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”Draw One serves as the primary rail gateway into North Station, carrying more than 1,100 passenger trains each week on the MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak’s Downeaster service. The existing bridge, a Depression-era structure spanning the Charles River, will be replaced with new drawbridge spans designed to increase rail capacity, improve reliability, and support expanded regional rail service for riders across Greater Boston and Northern New England. The project will expand the number of tracks crossing the river from four to six, while increasing capacity at North Station to 12 total tracks. 

 

The project will expand the number of tracks crossing the river from four to six and increase capacity at North Station to 12 total tracks, helping reduce congestion and improve reliability for commuter rail and intercity trains entering and leaving Boston. 

 

Through innovative design-build strategies, the MBTA has shortened the construction timeline from eight years to approximately 6.5 years, ensuring Massachusetts residents experience the benefits of a more reliable rail system sooner. The project is currently in procurement, and contractor selection is pending. The Project Labor Agreement does not prohibit non-union contractors from bidding, and all qualified firms may compete for the work. 

 

Under Governor Healey’s Executive Order on public construction projects, signed in March 2025, state agencies review construction projects over $35 million to determine whether a Project Labor Agreement serves the best interest of the Commonwealth. The order provides a strategic framework to ensure major projects are delivered safely, on time, and on budget. 

 

Today’s announcement also reflects broader labor stability at the MBTA under the leadership of Governor Healey and General Manager Eng. In July 2024, the agency ratified new four-year collective bargaining agreements with all 28 MBTA unions, covering 16 contracts. It marked the first time in 15 years that all MBTA unions were under contract during the same period. 

 

Those agreements included 18 percent wage increases over the life of the contracts and targeted incentives for hard-to-fill positions. Following earlier agreements, the MBTA saw significant increases in bus and rail operator applications, strengthening recruitment and retention and supporting a forward-looking workforce strategy for major capital projects. 

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration continues to prioritize investments that modernize transportation infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, and improve reliability for riders across the state. 

 

MassArt’s 37th Annual Auction Brings Together Top Artists, Inspires Community, and Supports the Next Generation of Creative Leaders

MassArt’s 37th Annual Auction Brings Together Top Artists, Inspires Community, and Supports the Next Generation of Creative Leaders

Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s signature fundraising event supports academic programs and student success, ensuring access to a world-class art and design education.

BOSTON, MA, February 25, 2026 —The MassArt Auction, one of the Boston art community’s most anticipated art and design events, returns for its 37th year on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 6:30pm to 11:00pm. Celebrating creativity and the power of art to transform lives, the Auction brings together internationally recognized artists and alumni, faculty, and emerging student talent of Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and provides a vital source of support for MassArt students. Reaching art collectors and enthusiasts across the country, MassArt Auction bidding will take place online via Bidsquare.

“The MassArt Auction is a powerful expression of what happens when a creative community comes together with purpose,” said MassArt President Mary K. Grant. “Each year, this event helps open doors for our talented students, ensuring that artists and designers from all backgrounds have the opportunity to learn, grow, and shape the cultural and creative landscape of the future.”

Photos by Melissa Ostrow

The MassArt Auction has raised more than $1 million per year over the past decade, with proceeds directly funding resources for students and academic programs to make an exceptional art and design education accessible to all. Featuring nearly 350 works of art selected from over 1,300 submissions, the MassArt Auction offers a rare opportunity to collect one-of-a-kind pieces by emerging talents, rising stars, and internationally renowned artists. From striking contemporary paintings and thought-provoking sculptures to finely crafted jewelry and original works, the Auction showcases an extraordinary range of artistic expression. 

Led for the seventh year by esteemed Auction Co-Chair Elizabeth Lowrey (H’19), and joined this year by Marc Wurbel, PhD, as Auction co-chair, the 37th Auction Committee meticulously selected this year’s artwork through a juried process.

“Collectors across the country are once again eagerly awaiting their chance to discover emerging artists as well as established talent," explains Elizabeth Lowrey H’19, Auction Committee Chair, MassArt Foundation Director, and a Principal at Elkus Manfredi Architects. “Proceeds from the MassArt Auction provide financial assistance so that students can achieve a life-changing education and complete their college degree. These graduates fuel the country's creative economy."

“Art and design shape how we understand the world and imagine what comes next,” said Marc Wurbel, PhD, Auction Co-Chair. “Events like the MassArt Auction ensure that talented students have access to a world-class art education, deepen their creative practices, and contribute to that larger cultural conversation.”

Alex Katz, “Marisa,” 2017. Courtesy of the artist and Krakow Witkin Gallery. Lot 22
featured in this year’s 2026 Live Auction

This year’s Auction brings together a compelling mix of Live and Silent Auction highlights, spanning internationally recognized figures and artists deeply connected to the MassArt community. Live Auction standouts include works by Cindy Sherman and Alex Katz, alongside artists such as Kara Walker, Julian Opie, Tara Donovan, and Do Ho Suh, reflecting a wide spectrum of contemporary practice. Sherman’s Untitled (Under the WTC) (1980/2001) exemplifies her influential use of staged photography to examine identity and perception, while Katz’s Marisa (2017), a woodcut from an edition of 42, showcases his signature clarity of line and distilled portrait style that has shaped American figurative painting for decades.

The Silent Auction further expands this range, featuring blue-chip artists such as Robert Kushner and Donald Baechler, alongside celebrated Boston-based artist L’Merchie Frazier. The selection also highlights strong ties to the College, with work by alumni and faculty including Alice Denison and sculptor Garrett Gould, who also teaches at MassArt. A special Silent Auction highlight is a unique commission experience from alum-owned New Impressions Print Studio, offering collectors the opportunity to engage directly in the printmaking process. Together, the Live and Silent Auctions showcase both established voices and emerging talent, underscoring MassArt’s role at the intersection of artistic excellence and creative community.

Another highlight of the evening is “Raise Your Paddle,” a special fundraising initiative benefiting student success at MassArt by providing critical financial support to help students graduate on time with as little debt as possible. 

More than just an auction, this event is a celebration of art, generosity, and the future of creative education. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a first-time buyer, the MassArt Auction offers an extraordinary opportunity to support artists, invest in education, and bring home a remarkable piece of art.

Bidding will take place online via Bidsquare, with both the Live and Silent Auctions opening on April 4 at noon EST. Interested collectors are encouraged to register online with Bidsquare in advance of April 4. Silent Auction bidding closes on April 12 at noon EST. Silent Auction artwork can be purchased outright at 150% of value by using the “Buy Now” feature in Bidsquare between noon on April 4 and noon on April 10.