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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.
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:
Mosaic Mural at Drake Village Features Local Wetlands Plants and Animals
Quotes, Video, Photos and Resources here, with hopes to follow up about this impressive project:
“In our last mural celebration this season, a ribbon-cutting was held at Drake Village in Arlington Heights — site of an installation of large-scale mosaics created in an inspiring collaboration of senior residents and Arlington Public High School Students. ” (quote from ARTS ARLINGTON newsletter Dec 2024)
Two Works of Public Art Combine Forces on One Block in Arlington: Utility Box by Eileen de Rosas and Mural by Sophy Tuttle
After posting about Sophy Tuttle’s memorial mural for the eagle named MK, I returned for better photos. Then, suddenly, I saw how close it was to the utility box Eileen de Rosas painted some years earlier. Both artworks feature graceful plants and purposeful birds. Both are great reminders of how artists can convey the vitalities of nature on utilitarian structures not conceived with art in mind.
View Lena Mac’s Murals as Portals and Connectors
My first visit to Lena Mac’s new mural led me to look back at an earlier one and then discover many more. This post shares photos of two near me and a link to her website, which shows her range worldwide!
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.
Focus on Sophy Tuttle’s Memorial Mural for an Eagle Named MK
“Last week, artist Sophy Tuttle put the final touches on her awe-inspiring tribute to MK, a much-loved female eagle who died from eating rats poisoned with rodenticide; the poison doesn’t kill immediately, impairing rodents so they become easy prey. Sophy’s glowing image remembers MK as a strong and glorious bird, in the prime of her life, surrounded by wildflowers that contribute to a healthy ecosystem. ” ( quote from NEW MURAL HONORS FALLEN EAGLE, Arts Arlington newsletter, Sept. 2024 )
Sidewalk Murals Focus on Storm Drains in Arlington
Bright new murals on Arlington sidewalks mark stark metal grids meant to draw rainwater back down toward local lakes and rivers. If the grids and drains below are blocked and cluttered, that necessary flow is slowed, or worse!
So art leads our eyes down to places where we can help address that problem when we Adopt a Drain! Here are quotes and links that help explain.
Explore Jeffrey Gibson’s Completed Mural in Dewey Square
September 27 was my first visit since the completion of “your spirit whispering in my ear.” These photos, notes, quotes, and links form a sequel to the early-September post about the mural in progress.
Enjoy and Recognize the Art of Painting a Utility Box, Thanks to Anne Katzeff!
My recent photos (August 2024) of Anne Katzeff’s beautifully painted utility (aka transformer) box in Belmont combine with quotes from her chronicle of creating it during several weeks in the summer of 2021. The story Transforming Belmont: Art on the Corner on her ASK Design Blog is a very valuable resource for everyone interested in […]
Art Outdoors 