New Leadership, Fresh Ideas at Historic Copley Society of Art
Copley Society of Art Associate Director Nina Mollo and Executive Director Paige Roehrig sit on the steps to the organization’s upper gallery on Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay.
Boston’s Copley Society, Co|So for short, is one of the Northeast’s most storied artist organizations. With roots in the vibrant art scene of the nineteenth century, its location in the heart of bustling Newbury Street makes it a central fixture in Back Bay. This historic venue for artists is currently undergoing exciting changes that include a dynamic new leadership team and novel programs aimed at bringing in emerging artists and new voices.
Founded in 1879 as the Boston Art Students Association, Co|So was assembled by some of the first graduates of the Museum School with the impetus to connect and elevate artists in the city. It is the nation’s oldest non-profit art association. Today its two floors of gallery space exhibit its 250+ elected member artists as well as creative individuals from the broader community. Among its traditions, Co|So shares artworks by staff from the Museum of Fine Arts each year to highlight the people who make institutional shows possible.
In addition to time-honored programs, Co|So is in the midst of implementing new events to engage audiences and support artists. On May 14, the group will host a virtual workshop on partnering with galleries led by Amor Díaz Campos, Artist Practice Fellow at the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston and Curatorial Coordinator at the Boston Public Art Triennial. On June 18, another workshop, taught by artist Julie S. Powell, will focus on social media. Programming like this dovetails directly into the founding visions of organizations like the Copley Society, which sought to give artists the tools they needed to be successful.
Co|So also recently launched a new membership tier focused on emerging artists. Geared towards those in the early stages of their career, this initiative promises to broaden the types of individuals who join and inform the organization while activating a launch pad for newer voices. Benefits include things like regular exhibition and professional development opportunities as well as access to a rich artistic network. Prospective applicants who would require financial support to make membership a reality are encouraged to reach out to Co|So staff as a new Access Fund is available to defray costs for those who qualify.
A installation view of Reflections, a Co|So exhibition of works by staffers from the Museum of fine Arts, Boston
One of the key updates happening at Co|So is in the professionals who are leading the organization. In the early part of this year, Paige Roehrig was named Executive Director and Nina Mollo was promoted from Gallery Coordinator to Associate Director. Together, these two talented arts professionals have an enormous amount of energy and enthusiasm for driving the organization forward.
Nina Mollo initially came to Co|So in 2023 as Gallery Coordinator. A Lesley University alum with a BFA in Photography, she was previously a Gallery Associate at A R E A Gallery. The combination of the organization’s history and the new initiatives she is helping to spearhead are exciting for her.
Reflecting on what it means to her to be involved in the organization right now, Mollo says, “Being part of Co|So’s storied history is both an honor and a call to action. I’m inspired by how this institution has championed artists for decades, and I’m thrilled to build on that foundation with new initiatives like our Emerging Artists Tier and upcoming professional development programs. These efforts aren’t just about sustaining Co|So—they’re about amplifying its impact, ensuring it’s a space where new voices thrive alongside tradition.”
Paige Roehrig, who formerly held several posts at Co|So and ran the group’s gallery prior to Mollo, went on to work at the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston before being tapped to lead Co|So at the start of 2025. Originally from Michigan, Roehrig earned her BA in Art History at Northern Michigan University and her MS in Arts Administration from Boston University.
The Copley Society of Art’s gallery at 158 Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay
Describing what it means to come back to Co|So, Roehrig says, “Returning to the Copley Society of Art as Executive Director feels both deeply meaningful and energizing—I’m grateful to be back in a community I care about so much. What excites me most is the opportunity to open the doors wider, welcoming new artists and ideas while honoring the legacy that began with the first graduating class of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. We’re focused on creating greater access to membership and opportunity through initiatives like our new Access Fund, making sure Co|So can be a supportive and inspiring space for artists at every stage of their journey.”
With the renewed energy evident at this significant legacy association, the artists who make up the Copley Society have a lot to be excited about. And there are other things to look forward to as well. On May 31 from 6-8:30pm, Co|So will host its Fresh “Paint” Gala Fundraiser, and on June 5 its annual National Open Juried Exhibition will open from 5-7pm.
There are many historic member-based organizations throughout the region and beyond that can learn from Co|So’s ongoing example. Tradition and innovation are equally important to the success of such spaces and emerging leaders like Roehrig and Mollo are leveraging their unique skillsets to activate and energize one of them. With new ideas, leading voices, and broadened access, the future is bright for Boston’s historic Copley Society.
The Copley Society of Art is located at 158 Newbury Street in Boston. Its galleries are free and open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11am - 5pm each day. Learn more about Co|So at www.copleysociety.org.
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