Short for Massachusetts College of Art, the second-oldest art school in America (after RISD, or Rhode Island School of Design). Founded in 1873, MassArt is one of the most highly-rated art colleges in the country, and Boston's leading institution of arts-based higher learning. It is also the only publicly-funded art school in America, though sadly that will probably change; out-of-state tuition is already prohibitive.
The famous photographer William Wegman, known to millions for his arty and witty portraits of dogs, was a graduate of MassArt. But he didn't receive much recognition while a student at the famously formal institution.
by Victor Felix November 10, 2005