Guild of Boston Artists

The Guild of Boston Artists is a non-profit association of painters and sculptors whose purpose is to promote, nurture and encourage traditional art adhering to the highest standards of quality and presentation. Since its founding in 1914, the Guild has sought to provide a center for the interchange of ideas between artists and the community.

The Boston School Tradition

Many of the charter members of the Guild were leaders in what came to be known as the "Boston School" of Painting. Edmund Tarbell, its nominal head, directed the Museum School in Boston. He, along with Philip Hale, Frank Benson and, eventually William Paxton in their capacities as instructors but primarily with their work crystallized the thinking we now associate with the "Boston School" and, of course, with the Guild itself. Before long the painter, Joseph DeCamp, another premier practitioner of the "Boston School" mindset also joined the Guild.

To quote R. H. Ives Gammel, one of the last artists educated under these men and one-time President of the Guild, the "Boston School" was "fascinated by manifestations of beauty to be found in the world immediately about them, a beauty which they discovered in the routine of daily existence at home and on the street, in the landscape outside of their doors, or in the objects which lay on the tables of their parlors and kitchens...an intense preoccupation with workmanship, the observation, rendering and execution which are the principle elements of the painters art...(and) an awareness of delicate relationships and color shifts," resulting from the impressionist experiments.

Educational Programs

The Guild's mission was ultimately to bring public awareness to the values of the 'Boston School' which of course are intimately linked with the arts of all times and places. The Guild strives to offer opportunities for the community to learn about the craft of painting and sculpture directly from their members. To that end they hold classes, workshops, and demonstrations at their Newbury Street location, in the field and, at times, in the studios of artist members.

Exhibitions

And of course, the Guild hosts multiple painting exhibitions each year primarily featuring the distinguished work of the professional artist members. The upper gallery features ongoing displays in varying genres and mediums, while the President's Gallery, which has a distinctive natural light ideal for viewing traditional painting, hosts solo and themed exhibits. From time to time the Guild also holds historical exhibits and juried competitions such as the works of A. Lassell Ripley or Frank Millet.