Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Launches “Dear Vincent” Letter Writing Contest for Boston Youth in Celebration of Van Gogh Exhibition

BOSTON, MA – May 5, 2025 – In partnership with 826 Boston, Boston Public Schools, and Savvas Learning Company, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), is hosting “Dear Vincent,” an innovative letter-writing contest for Boston students in conjunction with “Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits.” The exhibition, which is on view at the Museum through September 7, 2025, explores the artist’s groundbreaking portrayals of a family he met during his time in Arles, France.

Inspired by Van Gogh’s deep connection to the Roulins, the contest invites K-12 students in Boston to write letters to the artist exploring the meaning of family. Students may also choose to submit original artwork that expresses their feelings about family.

The contest is presented through a partnership between the MFA, Boston Public Schools, and 826 Boston, with generous sponsorship from Savvas Learning Company, whose mission is to provide high-quality learning experiences to help all students succeed. Up to 36 selected submissions will be displayed near the entrance to the exhibition, giving students the extraordinary opportunity to have their work showcased in the same building as masterpieces by one of history’s most beloved artists.

“We’re proud to partner with 826 Boston, Savvas, and BPS to support this initiative that encourages students to explore creativity, emotional expression, and art history simultaneously,” said Darcy-Tell Morales, Patti and Jonathan Kraft Chief of Learning and Community Engagement at MFA Boston.

Mary Skipper, Superintendent of Boston Public Schools, emphasized the educational value of the initiative: “Writing is a fundamental skill that opens doors to self-expression, critical thinking, and academic success. This partnership with the MFA gives students a meaningful context for developing literacy skills by connecting them personally with art history. When students write letters to Vincent van Gogh, they’re engaging in a creative dialogue that brings art to life and makes history relevant to their own experiences and family stories.”

As part of the city’s Boston Family Days program, all registered Boston students and families receive free admission to the Museum the first two Sundays of each month, and with generous support from Savvas Learning Company, the Museum is also able to extend to registered families complimentary access to the Van Gogh exhibition on Boston Family Days from July 6 to September 7, pending availability. Timed tickets must be reserved in-person, and arriving early is recommended to avoid sell-outs. For more information about registering for Boston Family Days admission, please visit https://www.mfa.org/visit/boston-family-days.

“Writing is such an important foundational skill, not just for the classroom but for life. Engaging students in creative writing experiences, like crafting a personal letter to Vincent van Gogh, helps them build knowledge and practice their writing skills,” said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. “Savvas is excited to be part of this fun, cross-curricular literacy activity that immerses students in imaginative writing.”

Submissions for the “Dear Vincent” contest are being accepted electronically until Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Letters should be addressed to Van Gogh directly, reflect on personal meanings of family, and draw connections to the artist's relationship with the Roulin family. 826 Boston will review all submissions and select the finalists to be displayed.

Nile Blunt, the MFA’s Senior Director of Museum Learning, reiterated the importance of the contest in extending the Museum’s mission to foster creativity among young people, stating, “We're excited to see how Boston’s youth interpret these universal themes that were so central to Van Gogh’s relationship with the Roulin family.”

For more information about the contest guidelines and to submit entries, visit https://www.mfa.org/visit/boston-family-days.

About the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The MFA brings many worlds together through art. Showcasing masterpieces from ancient to contemporary, our renowned collection of more than half a million works tells a multifaceted story of the human experience—a story that holds unique meaning for everyone. From Boston locals to international travelers, visitors from all over come to experience the MFA—where they reveal connections, explore differences and create a community where all belong. Open six days a week, the MFA’s hours are Saturday through Monday, 10 am–5 pm; Wednesday, 10 am–5 pm; and Thursday–Friday, 10 am– 10 pm. Plan your visit at mfa.org.

About 826 Boston

826 Boston is a nonprofit writing, tutoring, and publishing organization where students in grades K-12 and beyond can share their stories, amplify their voices, and develop as leaders in school and in life. Services are structured around the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with individualized attention and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. 826 Boston provides after-school tutoring, field trips, creative writing workshops, in-school Writers’ Rooms, college essay assistance, help for English Language Learners, and in-depth publishing projects.

About Boston Public Schools

The Boston Public Schools (BPS), the birthplace of public education in the United States, serves more than 48,000 pre-kindergarten through grade-12 students in 121 schools. BPS is committed to transforming the lives of all children through exemplary teaching in a world-class system of innovative, welcoming schools. We partner with the community, families, and students to develop in every learner the knowledge, skill, and character to excel in college, career, and life.