Each of these three artists has created several fabric panels that transform stretches of metal construction fencing near the intersection of North Harvard Street and Western Avenue in Allston. One, Anna Dugan, incorporated concrete Jersey barriers as well. All three worked out their own distinctive series of panels printed on scrim, a lightweight durable translucent textile that has long been used in theater sets. Daylight, street light, clouds, the sky itself, and any machinery or equipment behind the fence can add variables to our view. Whether driving by or standing near, we respond to these shifting features. I grew more aware of such changes as I photographed the art. In fact, I felt that each artist had recognized and successfully addressed the possibilities of scrim.

Along with my photos, I’ve quoted from the ZONE 3 website, mostly from the section called ARTSCRIM.

“ZONE 3 IS A HARVARD-SPARKED INITIATIVE TO FURTHER ACTIVATE AND ENERGIZE WESTERN AVE WITH CREATIVE PROGRAMS, EVENTS, AND RETAIL.“(quote from ZONE 3)

“ART SCRIM is a temporary outdoor gallery program that highlights local artists by turning construction fencing around Barry’s Corner into a platform for sharing art. ART SCRIM builds on other Zone 3 programs like Walls on Western and Art in Print, continuing a commitment to the creative community and energizing the streetscape along the Western Ave corridor. “(quote from ZONE 3 : Programs: Art Scrim)

“YOU’VE GOT THIS” Artwork by Yenny Hernandez ON VIEW ALONG WESTERN AVE :

“You’ve Got This is a series of varying bilingual phrases, colors and shapes that sets out to convey messages of positivity and encouragement. Artist, Yenny Hernández, is a Latinx award-winning Boston graphic designer who specializes in murals, lettering, and illustration.” (quote from ZONE 3: Art Scrim)

“EACH AND NONE” Artwork by Anna Dugan ON VIEW ALONG ACADEMIC WAY:
“Each and None is a portrait series covering both the fence and jersey barriers below, that takes visual inspiration from printmaking and folk art to express the difficulty and beauty that comes with the merge of varied cultural experiences. Anna Dugan, is a mixed race Filipino American artist based in Salem, MA whose work is heavily influenced by her Filipino culture and the nuanced experiences as a mixed race person.” (quote from ZONE 3 : Programs: Art Scrim)

EACH AND NONE is the only installation of the three that incorporated concrete barriers, which are painted to combine with colors in the scrim.

“BIG HEART ENERGY” Artwork by Deborah Johnson ON VIEW ALONG N. HARVARD STREET:

“This series of illustrations seeks to capture the abundance of happiness the artist feels for people closest to her in life. Each panel portrays the individuals in their largest and most gentle forms; the bright colors and patterns demonstrate the unique energy each one of them exudes. “(quote from ZONE 3 : Programs: Art Scrim)

Big Heart Energy, installed in December 2019, continues to endure weather and seasons well.

KEY RESOURCES (see, read, and learn more about each artist and Zone3/ART SCRIM)

Anna Dugan https://www.annadidathing.com/

Deborah Johnson https://www.debsdreaming.com/portfolio

Yenny Hernandez Yenny Create

Yenny Hernandez http://puntourbanartmuseum.org/open-air-museum/artist/yenny-hernandez/

ZONE 3 PUBLIC ART https://www.zone3westernave.com/public-art/

ZONE 3 ZONE 3

ZONE 3 ART SCRIM ZONE 3: ART SCRIM