Author Archives: deborahlee713
Many Painters Added to Murals for Summer Solstice Celebration 2023, Harvard Museums of Science and Culture
Among the many engaging activities for all ages at the Harvard Museums’ Summer Solstice Festival 2023 was one that invited everyone to add brilliant colors to murals designed for the occasion by artist Howie Green. My arrival and photo-taking began after the artwork had already developed through several hours of turn-taking by attentive participants with brushes and chosen paint colors.
Here are a few photos that should convey the way children and adults focused on their additions to the artwork. Several people are wearing flower crowns created in another inviting activity in the spirit of the solstice on that evening of perfect weather for the occasion.
Liz LaManche’s Mural Transformed a Park Stairway in Memory of Al Riskalla
Here are my photos from 2018 of Liz Lamanche’s unique, memorable mural I had long hoped to post about. Delayed with hopes of getting more worthy photos in different seasons, I was then daunted by roped-off, covered steps during a few years of construction related to the Boston area transportation system.
Construction now completed, the mural’s faded and worn-down surfaces overwhelmed my attempts at photo-taking. If there are funds for mural restoration in Somerville this year, I’d advocate for this one above all! Meanwhile, I offer quotes and links to more vivid photos on the artist’s website Earthsign, to affirm this mural’s special features and fascinating story.
Massiel Grullon’s Mural, “Knotical Waves” Relates to Lots of Art at Lot Lab in Charlestown
My photos from the opening of Lot Lab, June 7, focus on Massiel Grullon’s mural with informative quotes from NOW+THERE. This summer I should post sequels to focus on artworks for Lot Lab by Ghada Amer, and Sam Fields.
Follow Up on Bottle Trees in Cambridge
Here are new photos and links since my post last summer (2022) about “Forgotten Souls of Tory Row.”
David Bakalar’s Sculptures at Longy School of Music Reward a Long Look
Happening upon distinctive sculptures by David Bakalar in Boston got me to review my many photos of his art near me along Garden Street in Cambridge on the lawns of Longy School of Music. And that led me on to further photographing and then fact-finding from this artist’s website. My next step is this basic post to build on. Then I can go back to Bakalar’s art in Boston and on to other sites of his work in Cambridge.
Dominic Killiany’s Art Enlivens Playground, Gallery and Vision
Indoor experience of the scale, range, development and intricacies of Killiany’s work enriched my connections with his art throughout the playground. The exhibit, up until the end of August, is an opportunity for adults and children to understand this artist’s creative vision. Here are my photos, with quotes and links to resources that can add to your appreciation of Killiany’s art, whether or not you are clambering around it.
Circle around Spheres at Harvard Museums: Origen by Bosco Sodi, plus a nearby Monument
Current Creative Works at Harvard Art Museums Relate to Historic Work at Harvard Museums of Science and Culture
Reflecting on Connecting: A new exhibit of clay spheres sent me back to a long-standing granite sphere by indigenous artists long ago. Here are my photos with quotes from resources that offer background and perspective for viewing the art.
Young Artists Respond Creatively to Noted Grownups of Art History
Artworks by students at Saint Peter School in Cambridge are engagingly displayed in a corner window of CVS Pharmacy in Porter Square, Cambridge. The art and information led me to learn more to share in this post. If you live locally, you can still stop on Somerville Avenue to look. Otherwise, or in addition, enjoy the photos, links, and quotes that extend the creative spirit of students and their art teacher/artist Tonya Grifkin.
Explore Stories Behind Patricia Thaxton’s Monumental Mural in Harvard Square
This post is my way to preserve elements of the valuable Gallery 344 exhibit (now ended) about Patricia Thaxton’s work for her monumental mural around the Harvard Square kiosk. The exhibit presented original collages as well as photos of the artist’s process. These, as well as text and visuals, helped me understand and appreciate how this complex, spirited mural came to be. Here are quotes, photos, and informative links.
Changing Art Joins Constant Sculpture in Brattle Square: Ann Norton’s “Gateway to Knowledge” Stands with Beings Created by Minimum Wage Art
Tracking the relocations of “Skraelings” created by Minimum Wage Art (Bob Smith) led me to learn about Ann Norton’s long-standing brick monument in Brattle Square. Links and quotes offer background and perspective.
Art Outdoors 