According to Rosanne Retz, professor at the Art Department, “John will speak about how his work evolved, and how he made his life and career in the arts at UMass at the new Studio Arts Building, Room 016 at 5 pm on April 1st.  John will also present clips of completed work, and work in progress.”

“This event, in partnership with the Art Department and the Arts Extension Service is part of several presentations, including the new series Life Outside the Cardboard Box:  Making a Living in the Arts that will introduce emerging artists to a range of careers and how to make it in the arts,” said Dee Boyle-Clapp, Arts Extension Service.  “This event, sponsored in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the UMass Arts Council, is free and open to the public, and everyone is invited to attend.   In these challenging times, it is no longer an option for young artists or career changers to wonder what their next steps are in finding employment, but to seize the moment and recognize the opportunities that are available.  There are interesting shifts in job placement taking place, and increasingly, the Pioneer Valley and Western Massachusetts are attracting tech workers who work in the film, video gaming, and recording industries. Tax laws are helping to make filming in Massachusetts attractive, and workers, like John Nugent, are finding that being in Western Massachusetts offers access to both a wonderful quality of life and an exciting career.

Thanks to speakers like John Nugent, emerging artists will have an opportunity to learn what it takes to prepare for work in the film industry.  We hope all come with their questions.”

For more information about the event, contact the Art Dept. at 413-545- or the
Arts Extension Service at 413-545-2360.