Dear Friends,

I’m thrilled to have joined Boston Arts Academy Foundation as Director of Individual Giving and Advisory Council Liaison!

I have always loved the arts. My great uncle is the Dutch seascape painter Hendrik Willem Mesdag, whose artwork is displayed in the Louvre and the Rijksmuseum. When I first saw a Jackson Pollock painting in New York City, I began to appreciate the historical context of his modern masterpieces, the way his artistic creations spoke to the times and development of artistic technique, and how his work continues to impact the creation and dialogue of art to this day.

After earning my bachelor’s degree in Art History and Psychology from Williams College and master’s degree in History of Art and the Art Market from Christie’s Education in New York City, I worked in development, fundraising, client relations, and donor engagement, and most recently in leadership giving and engagement at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston.

Now, at Boston Arts Academy Foundation, I am excited about starting at the root of the talent, the root of the artistic creation. I love Boston, its culture, and its focus on education and civic engagement.

This is an exciting time, as we look forward to the opening of the new Boston Arts Academy school building in 2022 and work together to fund the life-changing arts education and opportunities that the school’s diverse and talented students need and deserve.

I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss BAA Foundation goals as we continue to work to meet the revenue needs of BAA and its students. Feel free to call me at (617) 510-0582, or email me at gbaljon@baafdn.org.

Gratefully,

Grace Baljon
Director of Individual Giving and Advisory Council Liaison