Boston Artists Association is established.

Founded by Washington Allston and Henry Sargent, its purpose is to create for “other painters, sculptors and architects, a school, a workspace for members and to promote art for art’s sake,” and also to provide “a systematic course of study” for artists and for “the advantages to be derived from mutual cooperation and support.” Allston is the first president. The organization holds its first show, an exhibit of 120 paintings, most by Boston artists, at the Harding Gallery in 1842. Its last show is held in 1844. The organization dissolves and is succeeded by the New England Art Union.