The Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) has planned a virtual art auction to raise money to support low-income students through scholarships.
The 32nd annual MassArt Auction includes three silent auction segments to be featured in a timed online auction that will end at noon on Sunday, April 11. A live auction will also take place on the evening of Saturday, April 10.
In an interview with the Boston Globe, auction Co-Chair Elizabeth Lowrey said that the school has a mission this year “to try to get our seniors over the finish line” since most have expressed their worries about paying tuition costs.
Together, these two auctions will highlight over 325 artworks from MassArt students, faculty, alumni, and other artists. Some of the artists included in the silent auction are Charles Arnoldi, Taiko Chandler, Eilis O’Connell, and Johnny Tang.
Works of artists such as Derrick Adams, Masako Kamiya, Ellsworth Kelly, Rania Matar, and Neetu Singhal will be featured in the live auction. Those who have their pieces featured in the event can donate either half or the entire proceeds to help students in need.
This is the second MassArt auction to be done virtually. While remarking that this year’s event was more relaxed, organizers explained that an online auction may offer greater access and convenience, as it is not hindered by geographical proximity.
Other Student Aid Initiatives
Institutions around the country have been engaged in similar initiatives to help address unmet financial needs among their students. Ferris State University in Michigan is offering a new tuition-free program to help poor, high-achieving students attain a college education in the face of high tuition.
Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher and an Expected Family Contribution of zero are eligible for grants. All they need to do is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid application and Ferris will determine how much assistance students can receive.
Drury University has is also seeking to address the financial strain that the pandemic has caused students. It will be distributing “$1.2 million in COVID relief aid directly to students who demonstrate exceptional financial needs.”