In early June I saw the following notice in the Arts Arlington Newsletter: “OWN A PIECE OF PUBLIC ART HISTORY! ‘Persistence’ Exhibit & Sale at Arlington Porchfest Join us during Porchfest (June 18, 1 to 4 pm) to get a close look at Michelle Lougee’s whimsical creations for the Minuteman Bikeway during an exhibition and sale of the sculptural pieces that make up PERSISTENCE. “( quote from Arts Arlington newsletter June 2022)
IF YOU RECEIVE THE EMAIL VERSION OF THIS POST, PLEASE CLICK ON THE TITLE TO VIEW THE PHOTOS AND TEXT IN INTENDED ORDER.
The notice inspired three photo sprees: 1) along the bikeway while the sculptures were still up, 2) in the outdoor exhibit where they were finally touchable, 3) among the bikeway trees persisting after their departure. In this post I try to connect those three experiences through photos, notes, quotes, and informative links.
“Thirty-eight sculptures have been hanging high up in trees along the Minuteman Bikeway for almost two years; this is a final opportunity to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship, hold a work in your hands, and take a piece home!” ( quote from Arts Arlington newsletter June 2022)
“This collaborative public art installation was crocheted from thousands of plastic bags by Michelle and a wonderful team of volunteer craftivists to send a message about the environmental dangers of single-use plastic.” ( quote from Arts Arlington Newsletter June 2022)
“The shapes are based on microorganisms found in a healthy water system; plastic breaks down into microplastic and mimics these tiny creatures. Microplastics, as well as larger pieces from packaging and other consumer items, enter the food chain because animals cannot distinguish it from organic matter. Arlington took a big step to reduce dangerous plastic pollution by banning most single-use water bottles this year!” ( quote from Arts Arlington Newsletter June 2022)
“In my art, I strive to replicate the animated quality that all living things possess. That is what makes nature beautiful. My job as an environmental artist is to capture that beauty in my work while instilling a message into it.” ( quote excerpt from Michelle Lougee, Artist Statement )
KEY RESOURCES:
“Persistence: A Community Response“ Arts Arlington Programs: http://artsarlington.org/programs/pathways-art-on-the-minuteman-bikeway/persistence/
MICHELLE LOUGEE artist’s website: https://www.mlougee.com/
Earlier ART OUTDOORS posts with photos of ‘Persistence’: “CONFLUENCE” AT SPY POND IN ARLINGTON FLOWS WITH GRACE THROUGH TIME AND SPACE, ARLINGTON’S ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE MICHELLE LOUGEE HIGHLIGHTS THE EXISTENCE OF PERSISTENCE ON THE BIKEWAY
OWN A PIECE OF PUBLIC ART HISTORY! ‘Persistence’ Exhibit & Sale at Arlington Porchfest in Arts Arlington Mid-June Newsletter
Art Outdoors 