Archives and Special Collections
92 Snell Library
360 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 373-2351
Archives and Special Collections Finding Aids

Printable Finding Aid. Back to Browsing Version.

Collection Overview
Title: African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program records.
Date: 1976–2003 (bulk 1977–1988)
Location Code: 31/2, 33/4, FF4/D10
Reference Code: A80
Extent: 1.15 cubic ft. (2 boxes, 2 flat file folders)
Scope and Content Abstract: This collection documents many of the art exhibitions and activities hosted by the African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program in its first decade. It contains administrative documentation such as memoranda to resident artists, correspondence, exhibition publications, slides and information about resident and affiliated artists, press, and newsletters. The newsletters include information about events, promotions and appointments, awards and grant, and photos of artists at various exhibitions. Other publications include flyers, posters, invitations to events, descriptive brochures, and schedules. There are also certificates from the Mayor of Boston, the Boston City Council, and the Governor of Massachusetts. The Exhibitions files include materials from AAMARP exhibitions and other exhibitions featuring AAMARP artists. The Press files contain exhibition advertisments, newspaper articles about the program and resident artists, and reviews of AAMARP exhibitions.
Historical Abstract: The African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program (AAMARP) began in 1974 when Northeastern University provided studio space to artist Dana Chandler. Established officially in 1977, the program was the first African American artist–in–residence program in the United States, providing studio space on an annually renewable basis to visual artists. The first exhibition by African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program debuted at Boston City Hall in 1977. Between 1978 and 1988, the organization held approximately ten openings a year. Originally located on Leon Street in the old Ruggles building, the program moved in 1988 to its current location at 76 Atherton Street in Jamaica Plain, Boston.
Language and Scripts: The collection is in English.
System of Arrangement: Arranged in one alphabetical sequence.
Subjects and Contributors:
  • Chandler Jr., Dana, 1941–
  • Chandler Jr., Dana, 1941–

  • Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.). African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program.
  • Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.)

  • African American art – Massachusetts – Boston
  • African American artists – Massachusetts – Boston
  • African American political activists
  • Artists as teachers
  • Artists––Massachusetts––Boston.
  • Artists––Political and social views.
  • Artists' studios.
  • Outsider arts
  • Outsider artists
Conditions Governing Access: This collection is unrestricted.
Immediate Source of Acquisition: The collection was transferred from the African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use: Copyright restrictions may apply.
Finding Aids: Dana C. Chandler Jr. Papers (M156)
Processor: Finding aid prepared by Cynthia Rufo, February 5, 2009

Scope and Content Note

This collection documents many of the art exhibitions and activities hosted by the African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program in its first decade. It contains administrative documentation such as memoranda to resident artists, correspondence, exhibition publications, slides and information about resident and affiliated artists, press, and newsletters. The newsletters include information about events, promotions and appointments, awards and grant, and photos of artists at various exhibitions. Other publications include flyers, posters, invitations to events, descriptive brochures, and schedules. There are also certificates from the Mayor of Boston, the Boston City Council, and the Governor of Massachusetts. The Exhibitions files include materials from AAMARP exhibitions and other exhibitions featuring AAMARP artists. The Press files contain exhibition advertisments, newspaper articles about the program and resident artists, and reviews of AAMARP exhibitions.

Historical Note

The African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program (AAMARP) began in 1974 when Northeastern University provided studio space to artist Dana Chandler. Established officially in 1977, the program was the first African American artist–in–residence program in the United States, providing studio space on an annually renewable basis to visual artists. The first exhibition by African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program debuted at Boston City Hall in 1977. Between 1978 and 1988, the organization held approximately ten openings a year. Originally located on Leon Street in the old Ruggles building, the program moved in 1988 to its current location at 76 Atherton Street in Jamaica Plain, Boston.

Chronology
1974 Northeastern University makes studio space available for African American artist Dana Chandler. In exchange, Chandler teaches courses at the university.
1974–1976 Chandler paints, teaches at Northeastern University, opens the studio to the community for meetings, and invites several local black artists to establish studios at 11 Leon St.
1977 African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program (AAMARP) officially established; Chandler becomes its first director.
1978 African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program's debut exhibition is held at Boston's City Hall.
1978–1988 African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program holds approximately ten exhibits a year and garners critical acclaim.
1988 African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program moves from Leon Street (old Ruggles building) to 76 Atherton Street, Jamaica Plain.
1988 Boston City Council recognizes African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program for its dedication and contributions to the city.
1988 African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program receives several awards, including a Governor's citation and a State Senate citation, for its contribution to the growth of African American and American art.
1990 During the City's commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Boston City Mayor Raymond G. Flynn recognizes the African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program and the artists for their presentation of images in the Boston City Hall relating to the principles of Dr. King.
1991–1993 African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program faces budget cuts, resulting in resignation of Dana Chandler.
1993 Administration of the African American Master Artists–in–Residence Program is placed under the African American Studies department.
Bibliography

Frederick, Antoinette. Northeastern University, Coming of Age: The Ryder Years, 1975–1989. Boston: Northeastern University, 1995.

History and Goals, Folder 5, Box 2.
Return to Top
BoxTitleDate
Administrative1977–1979
1General 1977-1979
2Calendars 1981-1989
2Correspondence (3 folders) 1977-1990
2Financial 1978-1988
2Floor Plan: Ruggles Building1986
2History and Goals 1979-1990
2Memoranda (2 folders) 1981-1991
2Minutes 1983
2Rules and Regulations n.d., 1984-1987
2 Artists (3 folders) n.d., 1979–1990
1, 2Awards1988–1990
2Chandler, Dana: Reproduced Artwork (2 folders)1973, 1992
2Chisolm, Shirley1978–1979
1, 2Exhibitions and Events (10 folders)n.d., 1976–2003
2Local Artist–In–Residence Programsn.d., 1978–1979
1, 2Newsletters1980, 1984, 1993
Northeastern University
2“The Arts In Review: NU Division of Fine Arts Media Highlights”1989-1990
2Committee Memberships1980-1983
2Early Music Groups1979
2Outside Organizations (16 folders) n.d., 1979–1985
FF4/D7, FF4/D10Postersn.d., 1979, 1981
2Press (2 folders)1975–1990
2Response to Budget Cutsca. 1991–1993
2Submissions From Other Artists and Potential Collaborators (5 folders) n.d., 1977–1990