Here are photos, quotes, and links for two different but related murals: INTERCONNECTED on Western Avenue in Allston and PROTECTING NATIVE PLANTS & POLLINATORS on Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington.
INTERCONNECTED on Western Avenue in Allston (135 Western Ave)
“It’s an area of Allston-Brighton known for real estate development and increased industrialization. Now, the neighborhood is also home to artist Sophy Tuttle’s enormous “Interconnected” mural, spanning more than 2,000 square feet with its rich earthy tones and imagery of wild, living things — from flora to fauna.” (quote from “Muralist gives Allston-Brighton a big reminder: ‘Nature is still out there’” by Grace Griffen, Boston Globe, November 13, 2020)
““Interconnected” is a joyful reminder that we—humans, hummingbirds, succulents, butterflies and all of our fellow creatures—are all deeply dependent on each other. It is painted on a building erected at the turn of the century to house the New England Deposit Library, which once held the overflow of research materials from both Harvard and other research collections around the region. “ ( quote from Artist Statement by Sophy Tuttle, Interconnected, Zone 3 )
““I wanted to honor what the building was used for,” Tuttle said. “Growing up, I saw these illustrations of food webs and food chains in my biology textbooks, and was always struck by those images showing how each species had an ecological niche and filled a role.”” ( quote from “Muralist gives Allston-Brighton a big reminder: ‘Nature is still out there’ “by Grace Griffen, Boston Globe, November 13, 2020)
PROTECTING NATIVE PLANTS & POLLINATORS on Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington (below windows and along wall of the building where it intersects with Newman Way)
“Artist Sophy Tuttle uses her amazing murals to advocate for wildlife and the natural world, so she was delighted to work with Climate Futures/Arlington interns to create a vibrant mural celebrating the beauty and importance of local plants and pollinators. Interns Juliette Bennett, Greta Mastro, Julia McNeill, Clara Schneider, and Daisy Takang — all students at Arlington High School — painted alongside Sophy for several weekends.” (quote from Arts Arlington Newsletter Mid May 2022 )
Photos above of interns at work on mural, thanks to Arts Arlington
“The students gave their ideas to Sophy, who incorporated them into the final design; for example, students suggested depicting the 3 times of day when different pollinators are active — morning, daytime and night.” ( quote from Arts Arlington Newsletter Mid May 2022 )
“During planning, Brucie Moulton and Jean Devine shared their knowledge with Sophy, the interns, and a group of Ottoson School students to get their research started.” ( quote from Arts Arlington Newsletter Mid May 2022 )
“It can be challenging to find hosts for murals,” ACAC Public Art Curator Cecily Miller explained, “and this project came together very quickly thanks to the generosity of building owner Michelle Casey. She operates her own salon in this block of stores and advocated for continuing the mural down Mass Ave to highlight the entire building. She’s been very supportive of the environmental message and the brilliant colors; we couldn’t have accomplished this project without her help — she gave this mural concept a home.”
“New mural celebrates the intersection of art and advocacy! Building a healthy ecosystem is one strategy that can help Arlington manage the climate crisis already impacting the world around us. Planting native plants and protecting local pollinators protects a complex web of life in our backyards and public spaces.” ( quote from Arts Arlington Newsletter Mid May 2022 )
“My work is focused on the natural world, our place in it, and the conflicts and collaborations we find ourselves in everyday with nature. My bright, carefully researched murals often aim to disrupt deeply embedded beliefs about Aristotle’s hierarchy of nature. I render birds, animals, and plants to evoke a sense of awe and reverence for these beings. Although extinction and loss loom in the man-made Anthropocene era, I hope that my paintings call attention to the magnificent beauty that still exists in nature today.” ( quote from artist statement in About Sophy Tuttle.com )
Key Resources
Muralist gives Allston-Brighton a big reminder: ‘Nature is still out there’ by Grace Griffin Globe Correspondent, November 13, 2020,
ZONE 3 “Interconnected” by Sophy Tuttle: Artist Statement, interview, and video
Arts Arlington Newsletter Mid May 2022 “PROTECTING NATIVE PLANTS & POLLINATORS New mural celebrates the intersection of art and advocacy!“
“Anderson’s Florist: Where the Flowers Won’t Die” ACMI news May 27 2022 video on YouTube:
Art Outdoors 
A fantastic post! I love Sophy’s mural art celebrating the pollinators. Outstanding work!