Category children
Art and Science Enlighten Us in a Not-quite Total Eclipse
Without the dramatic light changes of a total eclipse, this party in Kingsley Park offered creative ways to engage with and understand the significant event above us. I was impressed with the availability of learning resources and supportive volunteers. Here are a few photos of what I glimpsed when I wasn’t peering through eclipse glasses or other devices.
WINTERACTIVE, Boston 2024: “Echoes” and “Guitar Slide,”Two Samples from Sixteen Artworks
WINTERACTIVE: A Canadian Art Experience in Downtown Boston January 17–April 14, 2024 With barely one month left for this innovative temporary display of sixteen outdoor artworks in Boston, here is my overdue post, with focus on a grand-scale whale and a giant guitar.
Lively Large Creatures, Past and Present, Greet Us from a Lawn in Cambridge
If you live near 101 Washington Avenue in Cambridge, you can still visit the colorful Coconut Crab by day or night. Otherwise, enjoy a few views here, with some clues to origins and purpose.
Also here are photos from December 2020 of another great greeter, Silly Frilly Lizard, more evidence that other fascinating creatures have and hopefully will grace the same lawn over time.
Welcoming Windows and Wall Mural Heighten Spirits in Arlington Heights
Links on or below photos should lead to more information plus inspiring photos of people making and sharing their art, for three creative community projects in Arlington: 1. YOU ARE LOVED mural, 2. Poetry on windows, 3. Painting on windows
Last Days of DeWitt Godfrey’s Lincoln at DeCordova Connected Past and Future
Farewell Lincoln (150 feet long, Cor-ten steel and bolts, installed 2012) events, October 22,2023
De-installing Lincoln October 23, 2023:
It is simpler for me to select from photos of two final days with Lincoln than from so many moments through more than a decade of great days in deCordova Sculpture Park. I hope to do a future post with significant overview of Lincoln, plus other newer artworks by DeWitt Godfrey. The good news after Lincoln has gone is that its numerous cylinders can become parts of exciting new sculptures in other alluring destinations.
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).
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)
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.
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.
Art Outdoors 