Nancy McCarthy

Nancy McCarthy is a Visiting Lecturer in the Illustration department at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), where she contributes to the educational and creative development of students. Her role is part-time and temporary, reflecting her visiting status.

Education:

• MFA in Painting, Art Institute of Boston (2005)
• BFA with Honors in Painting, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (1999)

Her artistic practice centers on contemporary painting, particularly oil on canvas and linen, exploring themes of still life, landscape, color, and narrative. Series such as Table Series, Tiepolo Series, and Russian Series demonstrate her engagement with domestic objects, historical references, and natural forms. Her work blends realism with abstraction and symbolic content.

The recent artworks reflect a consistent focus on visual storytelling, material texture, and color theory within the broader disciplines of Fine Arts and Painting. Her compositions often juxtapose everyday objects with imaginative or surreal contexts, indicating a deep interest in narrative ambiguity and perceptual experience.

Scientific and Artistic Awards:

• Visiting Artist, Beijing Royal Academy, Beijing, China
• Residency, Inside Outside Museum, Beijing, China
• St. Botolph Club Foundation Grant
• Artist’s Grant, Vermont Studio Center
• Ragdale Foundation Fellowship

Nancy McCarthy has served as Director of Art New England Workshops at MassArt and is co-owner of Black Pond Studio in Rehoboth, MA. While no formal advisees are listed, her teaching and workshop leadership suggest mentorship roles. She has not disclosed specific grants beyond awarded fellowships, but her residency grants indicate competitive external funding support.

She maintains an active presence in the art community through exhibitions and online platforms, including her personal website and Instagram. Her studio practice and academic engagement reflect a strong integration of professional art production and pedagogy.