by Judith Byron Schachner (BFA’73 | Illustration)

Though it’s been 50 years since I was a student of Calvin Burnett’s, I remember him as a kind, encouraging and passionate teacher whose job it was to inspire, as well as speak to the realities of life as a working illustrator.

At the time, we all admired the likes of Mark English, Bernie Fuchs and Bob Peak. I wanted to illustrate everything from movie posters to courtroom trials. So many choices.

And then one day, Mr. Burnett, treated us to a presentation by the award winning children’s book illustrator, Ed Emberley. Jackpot!

I’ve spent the last 33 years of my life writing and illustrating books for children and I could not imagine a more wonderful career.

However, I do have one regret…I never got to thank Calvin Burnett for that life changing moment on a sunny afternoon in the old building on the corner of Longwood and Brookline. So I’ll do it now.

Thank you, Mr. Burnett.

As MassArt celebrates our 150th anniversary, we remember the contributions of the community members who have shaped the history of the college. Calvin Burnett was an artist and educator who graduated from Massachusetts College of Art in 1942, where he returned to teach for 33 years.