The Copley Society of Art was started in the 1870's by graduates of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts as a supplement to the academic training of the school and shortly thereafter became open to membership by active artists as well as patrons. Over the years significant figures in the art world have exhibited at the society including: John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, Whistler, Corot, Reynolds, Van Dyck, Duchamp, Dufy, Kandinsky, Picasso, Redon, Roualt and Van Gogh and important historical shows took place including: "The Modern Painters Exhibition," "The International Exhibition of Modern Art," known as the New York Armory Show and "The John Singer Sargent Exhibition" as well as later exhibits of watercolors by Sargent and Homer.