Category children
Two Thrones Endure through Many Seasons of Turnaround/Surround by Mierle Ukeles, Danehy Park
For more than twenty years two benches ( thrones) created from recycled aluminum have been a hilltop landmark of Danehy Park in Cambridge. They are part of Mierle Ukeles’ broader installation called Turnaround/Surround (1993–2004), which includes fragrant plantings, a welcoming ‘glassphalt’ path and dance floor designed with recycled colored glass.
The focus here is on selected views of the thrones during different weather and park activities. I hope they convey my admiring fascination with the textures, design, interplay and durability of these functional unique artworks.
Celestial Garden in Dewey Square Connects WINTERACTIVE with Greenway Public Art
Enticing, exciting ,engaging, Celestial Garden is one of fifteen artworks installed for WINTERACTIVE 2025 through March 30. Celestial Garden’s graceful interplay of music, motion, and mystery invited me to explore around the largest sphere and peer through the portals at the shifting scenes inside. I’m eager to return and to visit other WINTERACTIVE art as well! Quotes and links here offer information and perspective to guide you through a rewarding experience.
Gallery 344 Exhibit Conveys the Pleasures and Promise of Public Art Outdoors
The four walls of what had once seemed to me a small gallery created an expansive sense of life outdoors with lots to enjoy, discover, and create. The enticing exhibit inspired this sudden post to note the remaining window of opportunity to visit ( till February 7) and the valuable resources about the whole impressive ongoing project. Quotes and links below:
Tribute to Very Temporary Art on Halloween
Though I have sometimes posted about temporary art*, .this is my first focus on how it is part of what happens in my neighborhood on Halloween. Every Labor Day, by a recent tradition, neighbors of all ages meet to propose, discuss, consider and then vote to choose a Halloween theme. This allows several weeks for families, individuals and groups to plan and create amazing artworks that connect our homes for one brief energetic evening.
Creative Actions Add Valued Shade for Summer Days in Cambridge
Mid-August weather urged me to share what I have seen and learned so far about Shade is Social Justice structures in Cambridge. Here is a quick post with photos, quotes, and links to explore before a promised sequel post with something more.
StoryWalks Playfully Reflect Their Settings
This post is a quick follow-up to STORYWALKS DISPLAY BOOK ARTS IN PARKS WORLDWIDE, INCLUDING CAMBRIDGE with two examples of the eight StoryWalks in Cambridge listed for this summer, 2024. Placement of book pages at children’s eye levels along fences around playgrounds helps relate their outdoor play to themes of selected books.
STORYWALKS Display Book Arts in Parks Worldwide, including Cambridge
In recent summers I’d been captivated by spreads of whole picturebooks along fences in Cambridge parks. I’ve appreciated these broadened views of related illustrations and book design, as well as the opportunity for everybody to follow stories as they move throughout a park.
This post shares examples from my city, plus some background information that made me aware of StoryWalks around the world.
Actively Enjoy Public Art by Ponnapa Prakkamakul*, Part 2: Year of the Dragon, 2024, on the Greenway in Boston
This second part of two related posts shares photos, quotes, and links about the artwork in Chin Park.
“Keeping joy and play at the center of her work, the artist invites viewers to engage with the installation in multiple ways: you can walk up the sculpture as if riding on the dragon, explore neighborhood surroundings through a rainbow-colored kaleidoscope feature, or play with the built-in hand drum.” (quote from Rose Kennedy Greenway, Year of the Dragon, Ponnapa Prakkamakul )
Actively Enjoy Public Art by ponnapa prakkamakul,* Part 1: “You. Me. A Place to Be.” Mural and Rainbow Hopscotch Game in Allston
Here is one of two related posts with photos, quotes and links to share exciting public art created by ponnapa prakkamakul* with active community participation!
You. Me. A Place to Be. outside the Harvard Ed Portal, 224 Western Ave., Allston, until March 2025
The Lexington Women’s Monument by Meredith Bergmann Brings Together and Celebrates Many, Many Inspiring Stories
My first and only visit to the monument so far was for the artist’s enlightening talk on Dedication Day, May 18. I plan to return often, eager to absorb everything sculptor Meredith Bergmann’s amazing artwork offers. Meanwhile here are quotes, resources and a few photos to guide your own visit, online or in person.
Art Outdoors 