Category Art
Small Sample of Spectacular Response to a Halloween Theme, Spider Apocalypse
Almost every September for many years, kids and adults on my street have met to choose a Halloween theme. The choice determines numerous creative activities, thoughtful plans, and devoted efforts that culminate in three memorably intensive hours on Halloween night. Almost every November I review my photos from that night while pondering how, why, and whether to post on ART OUTDOORS about the impressively plentiful temporary art.
Finally this November ( 2023) I have put together a post, limited to images in waning daylight before the surge of action, music, drama, and festive interaction with costumed, curious visitors. So here, without my usual captions, links, quotes, and notes, are glimpses of the great results produced by neighbors of all ages.
New Pemberton Street Mural Engages All Ages, as Creators and Viewers
“The Pemberton Street Mural was designed by Cambridge artist Whitney Van Praagh in collaboration with Alex Adamo and Kit Collins, with additional artistic contributions from many local residents and Cambridge youth. The mural was funded through the City of Cambridge Participatory Budgeting Process and supported by Cambridge Arts.” ( quote from Cambridge Arts calendar, October 2023)
My photos here are from one day when the Pemberton Mural was almost finished ( October 10) and another day soon after completion (Oct 26).
Meredith Bergmann, Sculptor of the Boston Women’s Memorial Speaks at Premier of Talking Statues, October 21
This quick post copies information and links (in red) with background about a significant event I wish I could attend. I do plan to follow up soon, after I experience these Talking Statues on Commonwealth Avenue Mall!
Double Delight and Much More in Mural Art by Jessie and Katey at Kendall Center, Cambridge
Silly to keep waiting for all construction in Kendall Plaza to stop obstructing parts of Jessie and Katey’s brilliant designs on two main entries there. September 2021 was the celebration of completion; but after four visits since then, I am deeply impressed with the vitality they add to often disrupted surroundings.
Follow Changes and Connections through Art Ramble 2023 Geo-Metric in Concord, Part 2
After one visit in September, I hope to return several more times before the exhibit ends November 19. Meanwhile this second post* offers more quotes, links, and photos that should help you decide to explore Art Ramble now, in person or on screen! (Part 1 with six of the twelve artworks) *(Part 2 with six more )
“Art Ramble is an annual, temporary exhibition in the Hapgood Wright Town Forest in Concord, MA, a collaboration of The Umbrella Art Center and Concord’s Division of Natural Resources (CDNR).’” (quote from The UMBRELLA, Art Ramble 2023, including map) September 1 – November 19, Curated by Stephanie Marlin-Curiel
Amal, Twelve Feet Tall, Set Out from Massachusetts in September on a Two-Month Walk West across the Country
Here are moments from the one event I experienced. It forcefully conveyed the effort and impact of Amal’s many visits throughout that first day. Greg Cook’s Wonderland post is a wonderful visual document of those starting events in Boston and Cambridge. The title is Little Amal, Giant Puppet Depicting Refugee Girl, Begins Journey Across U.S. Be sure to link to that! Then for a full overview with important details, past, present, and future of Amal’s walks since 2021, delve into Walk with Amal! (maintained by The Walk Productions and Handspring Puppet Company)
Follow Changes and Connections through Art Ramble 2023 “Geo-Metric” in Concord
‘Art Ramble is an annual, temporary exhibition in the Hapgood Wright Town Forest in Concord, MA, a collaboration of The Umbrella Art Center and Concord’s Division of Natural Resources (CDNR).’ (quote from The UMBRELLA, Art Ramble 2023) September 1 – November 19, Curated by Stephanie Marlin-Curiel
Part 1: Rob Greene, Liz Helfer, Ellen Schön, Laurie Bogdan, Fran Sharp, Susan Arthur
Explore All Sides of Xinan Ran’s Collaborative Textile Sculptures Outside Harvard Museums of Science and Culture
Lucky to live near these three colorful sculptures swaying beneath their trees, I hope to revisit many times and stand inside for their stunning views. Now that I’ve sensed their sustaining presence, I want to quickly spread the word to anyone who has the chance to visit or connect somehow. The quotes and links here should explain enough to draw you in.
Enjoy Additions to Art Scrim* by Muideen Ogunmola and Stephanie Vecellio on Acadamy Way, Zone 3
In August, I learned of two new displays of art on fabric along fences near the intersection of North Harvard Street and Western Avenue in Allston. The series by both artists extended my own awareness of how the semi-transparent quality of scrim textile can work with the metal fence patterns as well as the natural and constructed landscape. Until I revisit and learn more, here are my recent photos and quotes from informative links.
*”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. “
Tent by Liz Shepherd and Suzanne Moseley is an Impressive, Inspiring Work of Art
As artists in residence 2023 at Mass Audubon’s Magazine Beach Nature Center in Cambridge, Liz Shepherd and Suszanne Moseley created a unique, multipurpose tent, rich in images of local plants and animals. Their focus through the traditional photographic process called cyanotype ( or blueprinting) reveals an amazing array of hues from deep blue to bright white. Explore all four sides for fascinating features of nearby nature. Discover even more when you enter and experience how sunlight shines through various fabrics. And be sure to look up and appreciate what wings can do!
Art Outdoors 