Working in the Longwood Medical and Academic Area it is easy to forget how close we are to some of the most exciting art galleries in the United States.

The Museum of Fine Arts and The Isabella Stewart Gardner enjoy worldwide reputations as impeccable museums, but don't overlook the prestigious galleries within the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. 

Next month MassArt is unveiling two new exhibitions in their Bakalar and Paine Galleries: "Legacy of the cool: A tribute to Barkley Hendricks" is an is of Hendricks’ legacy and a celebration of new generations of figurative artists of color. Many of the artists work in the same spirit as Hendricks and portray themselves; their friends, families, and communities; and the complexities of their lives in captivating and thought-provoking images. Through varied media and diverse approaches, they chronicle the present moment and their work often questions dominant cultural narratives and addresses important contemporary issues. Open January 17-March 3. 

Portrait from the Hendricks' collection. 

The second exhibition, running during the same dates, is entitled "Living Treasure and Fabulous Follies."  Living Treasure and Fabulous Follies" celebrates the beautiful and whimsical works of Robert Baines, Australia’s leading metallurgist. His research on Bronze Age goldsmithing has not only shaped international jewelry scholarship but also grounded his own practice. For over 30 years, Baines has made jewelry that draws on the vocabulary of historic European metalworking techniques in unexpected ways. Combining precious metals with contemporary materials he excavates the mythology of present-day culture. Using ancient techniques in playful new ways Baines creates objects that push the boundaries of what wearable craft can be.

"Carbraceleta" from the Living Treasures and Fabulous Follies exhibit.