Massachusetts College of Art and Design - Palette and Pen Yearbook (Boston, MA)

Page 9 text:

During the past year the war has forced upon each and every one of us a new sense of values. The successful prosecution of this world struggle has necessitated drastic changes. This essential reorganiza- tion of the pattern of our lives has, in most cases, been accepted with the true American spirit. How completely the Axis misjudged us when they attacked, believing that we were a weak people and that we would crumble under pressure! As a nation we grow stronger daily. It is true that throughout our country men and women of all ages are serving well. When we view America’s effort as a whole, the contribu- tion which we in this institution are making is small — but I am proud of the faculty and students of the Massachusetts School of Art. You have worked hard and have made personal sacrifices. In being awarded the coveted Regional Office of Civilian Defense Victory Pennant, the school and you have been significantly recog- nized. I gain new courage in the knowledge that your contributions will be even greater as the days pass. The M.S.A. Alumni are likewise proud of your spirit and your desire to perpetuate that which they have passed on to you — high ideals coupled with a deep concern for art which is contemporary and of the best service to mankind. GORDON L. REYNOLDS, President

Page 11 text:

We were awed by the very halls of M.S.A. Then the sublime silence was shattered by the upper-classmen’s glad-ragging and wise-cracking in unrestrained voices. And we were in! With our gargantuan portfolios we buffeted winds and jabbed unsuspecting fellow passengers in the back, and we didn’t escape the feeling of being a public menace until we entered the building. As our senses explored, we prepared to catch up and fling back the artistic challenge. The richness of our lives beat a rhythm that swelled to a resounding symphony. The push was on! Feverishly we accented and beat out the pace — pen and ink, scratch- board, oils, life, water color, realism, abstractions. A plaid prance, another dance — giddy, you say? Ah, no, we were fresh with life, and we knew how to laugh uproariously. Direction was clear. What had an artist to show? Keeper of the people’s morale, a note that stimulated a surge of action; this was our reply — war posters! Force Is interlocked with force. Yet becauss we believe that right is might, we step for- ward, understanding, strong, ready to accept our responsibilities. Our physical strength and our daring imagination are surely materials upon which a nation is built, and upon which rest the peace and beauty of the world. DOROTHY ROCKMAN