Massiel Grullón named 2025 TD Garden House Artist

Congratulations to Montserrat alum Massiel Grullón (BFA 2014) for being named TD Garden House Artist for 2025! Over the last decade, Boston-based, Dominican-born Grullón—who studied painting and graphic design here at Montserrat—has made a name for herself creating her signature hand-painted “retro-nostalgic” murals in public and private spaces across the Boston region and beyond. 

The TD Garden House Artist selection committee chose Grullón’s work from among hundreds of artist proposals, with TD Garden president Glen Thornborough noting: “Massiel stood out for her unique artistic vision and her ability to create meaningful connections.” This year’s theme, Women in Sports, served as the starting point for a new mural by Grullón, recently unveiled at TD Garden’s Hub on Causeway. 

We recently had a chance to catch up with Massiel and ask her a few questions about her art and career post-Montserrat. Read her responses below, and be sure to check out her work at TD Garden, around Boston, and at massielgrullon.com

Can you reflect on how what you learned at Montserrat helped you get to where you are today? 

Painting has been a passion of mine since I was a child, but Montserrat took my passion to the next level, enhancing my skills. Montserrat gave me the space to really explore, get critical feedback, and take my work seriously. By senior year, I started to develop my own style and learn how to move like a working artist, not just a student. That experience played a big role in getting me to where I am today. 

Can you point to any Montserrat opportunities that helped you create your career?

I majored in both painting and graphic design at Montserrat—hands down one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made, because that’s exactly what I do now in my career. Everything from art history classes, to studying abroad in Italy, and interning with the Montserrat Galleries played a part in shaping me. Those experiences gave me a deeper understanding of art, culture, and how to move through the professional world as an artist. They weren’t just academic, they were foundational.  

Does your career in the arts fully sustain you or do you have other gigs that help you as well?

My career as an artist fully sustains me now, but it took years of grinding, side gigs, and making sacrifices to get here. I went all in once the work became consistent and I haven’t looked back since. 

What would you tell incoming students that they should pay attention to while they are here? 

Ask yourself, what do you really want to be good at? Where do you see your art taking you after college? Be real with yourself, choose a major that aligns with your passion, and take the classes that push you in that direction. It might feel risky now, but it’ll be one of the smartest moves you’ll ever make and it’ll set you up for a future doing what you love.

Are you still in touch with any of your faculty?

I’m still in touch with Judy Brown to this day. I also recently attended this year’s Artrageous Emerald Ball, and it was amazing to reconnect with some of the faculty and alumni and feel that creative energy again.