Boston, MA – The Boston Arts Academy Foundation’s 2024 Honors event recently celebrated Dr. Joshua and Amy Boger as the Visual Art Honorees. This prestigious event took place at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway, recognizing the couple's significant contributions to the art world and beyond.
A Transformative Artistic Journey
Dr. Amy Boger’s path to becoming a celebrated ceramic artist is a remarkable story of transformation. Shifting from pediatric medicine to the world of ceramics, Amy now operates Dirt and Light Arts LLC, where she crafts unique conceptual ceramics that blur the line between sculpture and functionality. Her work, known for its playful and humorous touch, reflects a deep creative curiosity. A retired pediatrician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Boger’s academic background is as diverse as her career, holding a B.A. in American history and literature from Harvard University and an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.
While Amy Boger could not attend the event, her contribution to the arts was honored, acknowledging the depth and impact of her work.
Joshua Boger's Legacy in Pharmaceutical and Art Sectors
Dr. Joshua Boger, a visionary in both the pharmaceutical and art sectors, was also celebrated for his achievements. Known for founding Vertex Pharmaceuticals in 1989, Dr. Boger revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry, particularly through his pioneering work in computer modeling for drug design. His career includes more than 50 scientific publications, 31 U.S. patents, and numerous lectures around the world. Although he retired as Vertex’s CEO in 2009, he continues to influence the industry as the executive chairman of Alkeus Pharmaceuticals.
His contributions to the Boston art community have been as impactful as his work in science, with a strong commitment to supporting local arts education and the development of future artists.
Star-Studded Evening Raises $1.65 Million for Arts Education
The Honors event was a star-studded affair, featuring notable artists, performers, and philanthropists. Boston Arts Academy students had the unique opportunity to share the stage with legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor, performing part of a special Tina Turner tribute. The evening was filled with live performances, videos from honorees, short films, and a vibrant live auction. In total, the event raised $1.65 million, which will directly benefit Boston Arts Academy students, providing essential support for arts education.
Other honored guests included June Ambrose, an award-winning Creative Director and Costume Designer, Christy Cashman, actress and author, and Don Law, a renowned music mogul. Despite not being able to attend in person, dance icon Debbie Allen was also recognized for her contributions to arts education.
Boston Arts Academy: A Hub for the Arts
The Boston Arts Academy stands out as Boston’s only public high school dedicated to visual and performing arts. Since its founding in 1998, it has nurtured countless students from all 23 Boston neighborhoods, providing them with the training and education needed to excel in both the arts and academics. With the recent move to a new state-of-the-art facility in September 2022, BAA is poised to expand its influence, increasing its student body to 500 and creating new opportunities for young Boston artists.
An Event to Remember
The evening’s red carpet featured a dynamic mix of artists, educators, and supporters of the arts. A highlight of the night was James Taylor’s performance alongside the BAA's Spiritual Ensemble, whose achievements on the Billboard charts made history for Boston’s public schools. Notable attendees included Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, BAAF President and CEO Denella Clark, and NBC Boston Morning Anchor Latoyia Edwards.
The success of the BAA Honors 2024 event underscores the power of community support in transforming arts education and empowering future generations of artists.
For more information about Boston Arts Academy and how you can support its mission, visit Boston Arts Academy and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Credit for Photography
Michael Blanchard, Dante Luna, and Yuder Mezerene provided photography for the event, capturing the memorable moments that celebrated Boston’s vibrant arts scene.
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