Calvin Burnett (1921–2007) was a Boston-based artist, printmaker, illustrator, and influential educator whose career combined disciplined draftsmanship with social observation and experimentation. After graduating from the Massachusetts College of Art in 1942, he worked at the Boston Navy Yard, memorizing scenes of labor and military life that he later recorded in sketchbooks and developed into artworks. Early recognition came through exhibitions at the Boris Mirski Gallery, Institute of Modern Art, Addison Gallery of American Art, and the Atlanta University Annuals, where he received numerous awards.

Burnett later returned to Massachusetts College of Art as a professor, mentoring generations of artists until his retirement in 1986. He also co-founded Boston Afro-American Artists, Inc. and was associated with Northeastern University’s African-American Master Artists-in-Residence Program. Working across drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and mixed media, Burnett remained committed to Black life, civil rights, and the dignity of everyday experience.