Background and Education:
- McNaughton was born in 1948 in Boston, Massachusetts.
- He studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and later attended the Yale School of Art, where he earned his Master of Fine Arts degree.
Artistic Style:
- McNaughton's artistic style is characterized by bold colors, abstract shapes, and a focus on geometric patterns.
- He often uses nontraditional materials such as found objects, collage, and even recycled materials to create his works.
- His paintings explore themes of identity, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all things.
Teaching and Arts Advocacy:
- McNaughton has been actively involved in teaching art and promoting arts education throughout his career.
- He has taught at various institutions, including the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the University of Massachusetts, and Emerson College.
- McNaughton has also served as the Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council and as a board member of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Public Art Projects:
- McNaughton has created several large-scale public art installations in the United States and abroad.
- Some notable works include "The Healing Garden" at the Boston Medical Center, "The River" at the Boston Children's Museum, and "The Spirit of Boston" at the Boston Public Library.
Recognition and Awards:
- McNaughton's contributions to the art world have been widely recognized.
- He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Guggenheim Fellowship, the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and the Massachusetts Artists Foundation Fellowship.
- In 2019, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Melville McNaughton continues to create influential artworks and advocate for the arts, making him an important figure in contemporary art and cultural education in the United States.