After immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager, Junior Diaz, A29, found a path to becoming an artist through SMFA at Tufts’ programs for high schoolers
Junior Diaz’s teacher recommended him for the City Studio Program at SMFA at Tufts, where gifted Boston Public Schools students build a portfolio using SMFA resources.
Junior Diaz, A29 (BFA), came to the United States from the Dominican Republic as a teenager. He spoke little English. Instead, he communicated through art. One of his high school teachers noticed his talent and recommended him for the free City Studio Program at SMFA at Tufts, where gifted Boston Public Schools students build a portfolio using SMFA resources.
“From the moment he walked in, you could tell he was excited to dive into painting, drawing, printmaking, and digital art,” says Caleb Davis, SMFA administrative director. “Even on that first day, there was an energy about him—he showed up ready to work and genuinely eager to learn. Junior quickly became one of the most self‑motivated students I’ve ever worked with. He’s thoughtful, disciplined, and truly passionate about developing his craft.”
Impressed by the high schooler’s work, Diaz’s SMFA instructors encouraged him to do the SMFA’s pre-college summer program, SMFA Studio Art. Then last fall, he became the first City Studio participant to enroll as an undergraduate at SMFA.
A detail from “Look Closer” by Junior Diaz.
As a college student, Diaz has already exhibited his work—mainly pencil and charcoal drawings and paintings focused on his family and homeland—at SMFA, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the South End’s Piano Craft Gallery, seeking out opportunities not many first-year student artists do.
“His drive comes from a real sense of purpose, and he has this great balance between big‑picture vision and the steady, day‑to‑day work it takes to get there,” Davis says. “It’s a pretty remarkable combination, especially for an artist just starting out.”
Diaz shares how the City Studio Program shaped his path from uncertain high-schooler to confidant artist.
What ignited your love of art?
When I was a kid in the Dominican Republic, about 10 years old, I was given an assignment to draw my house. I didn’t know how. I showed my father, and he gave me an example of how to do it, and I was very impressed. Although it was so simple—we lived in a simple wood house—he made it look so much like our house. My dad wasn’t an artist, but he had that ability. He used to draw my mom, or Mickey Mouse. Since then, I’ve had a passion to draw.
How did you find the City Studio Program?
I was at Boston International Newcomers Academy for high school. I wasn’t taking an art class, but I happened to show my artwork to the basketball coach. The coach told me that he wanted me to meet our art teacher, James Hobin. He’s well-known; he has murals in T stations around Boston.
Mr. Hobin was very impressed, because I’d never taken art classes in the Dominican Republic. Every time I drew, I went to talk to him and show him, and he gave me insight.
“Dust” by Junior Diaz.
I practiced constantly. I had the desire to improve and challenge myself.
He recommended me for the City Studio Program. It was challenging. I only spoke Spanish. I could barely understand when I spoke to head instructor Jack Neylan. But he taught me the different strokes of oil painting by moving my hands, or he’d give me visual examples. Although I didn’t understand words, I understood what he meant when he moved my hands. I was able to communicate through art.
What did you love to create?
At the City Studio Program, I wasn’t forced to do anything. I was asked: “What would you like to paint? What interests you?” Creating landscapes from the Dominican Republic motivated me. Painting the landscapes brought back memories from my country. I miss the Dominican Republic. I would paint landscapes with horses and beautiful mountains. But the colors were new: I didn’t know how to make it vibrant or cold; Jack showed me those techniques. As I moved the brushes, I saw the differences in primary and secondary colors.
Why did you choose Tufts?
I was nervous in the pre-college program. I still couldn’t speak much English. But the cool thing is that my pre-college teacher, Zoila Andrea Coc-Chang, was from Guatemala. She’d tell me things in Spanish that allowed me to understand better, and she told me about Tufts.
At our final exhibition, we were shedding tears. I was able to exhibit one of my artworks, “Mi Padre,” with my father holding his hands under his cheeks. Everyone was surprised by my talent. Some students’ parents came to me and they gave me motivation; it pushed me to keep working and making an effort so that one day I could come to Tufts, where I was offered a full scholarship.
A detail from “My Padre” by Junior Diaz.
How has Tufts shaped your experience as an artist?
I love art; it’s my main focus right now. But Tufts also has other opportunities where I can grow. I’m part of group of college students who teach people about plastic pollution. A week ago, I went to a U.N. Pledge for Peace meeting. These experiences are outside art. When I go away from art, I come back stronger. Every experience is part of my art.
What are your goals after graduation?
I really want to make a living from my artwork. I draw and paint, and I would really like to go into lithography. I’ve seen some works from teachers here at the SMFA, like Ethan Morrow. His artwork is so great. When I was in high school, Mr. Hobin used to show me his work, but I never knew that he was at the SMFA. My jaw dropped to the floor. I was like: “Whoa! I’ve got to take his class!”
And I’d like to stay in Boston, because my family is here, and they’re a big part of my artwork.
What would you like potential students to know about the BFA program?
You can find teachers who will actually guide you to opportunities when you graduate. When you come with a goal and a vision, and you communicate it, they will find ways for you to achieve it.
