Founded in 1879, the Copley Society of Art (Co|So) is the oldest nonprofit arts association in the United States. Originating from the first graduating class of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the organization began as a way for young artists to remain connected and continue their creative growth. Led by Alice Spencer Tinkham and H. Winthrop Pierce, the group became the Boston Art Students Association, which later evolved into the Copley Society of Art—named in honor of John Singleton Copley and the city of Boston.

Co|So expanded to include both working artists and patrons, growing to over 400 members by the early 1890s. The organization soon established Grundmann Studios near Copley Square, a dynamic exhibition and studio space where it held major exhibitions, including One Hundred Masterpieces in 1897 and a celebrated show of works by John Singer Sargent in 1899.

Over the years, Co|So has hosted landmark exhibitions featuring Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent Van Gogh, and supported American masters like Winslow Homer and James McNeill Whistler. In 1957, Co|So found its permanent home at 158 Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay, where it remains today.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Co|So has continued to champion artistic innovation and education. Signature initiatives include the annual Fresh Paint auction, juried exhibitions, student scholarships, professional workshops, artist residencies, and outreach programs with Boston Public Schools. In 2003, the Society rebranded as “Co|So” to reflect its evolving identity and commitment to contemporary artists.

Today, Co|So is home to 300 juried artist members, presenting approximately 20 exhibitions annually and fostering an inclusive, intergenerational arts community. Through its exhibitions, residencies, and programs, the Copley Society of Art continues to support creative expression and connect audiences with outstanding artistic talent.

VISION: We envision a vibrant and accessible arts community where artists are empowered, creativity is celebrated, and the transformative power of visual art is shared with audiences of all backgrounds. Co|So will be a leader in fostering artistic ingenuity, cultural exchange, and lifelong learning in the arts.

MISSION: The Copley Society of Art (Co|So) is dedicated to cultivating a dynamic and inclusive artistic community by promoting visual artists of all backgrounds and championing diverse creative voices. Through exhibitions, educational initiatives, and mentorship, we provide artists with opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive while engaging the public in meaningful creative experiences.

BELONGING STATEMENT: We will create an inclusive culture that embodies the values, policies, and practices that ensure that all people, including but not limited to those who have been historically underrepresented based on race/ethnicity, indigenous heritage, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, or religion, experience equal access to the Copley Society of Art’s programs, resources, and opportunities.