Category design
Banners and Audio Tour Celebrate “People, Plants & Revolution” in Arlington
Artists Suzanne Moseley and Liz Shepherd designed twelve bright banners that hang above the median strip of Massachusetts Ave in Arlington ( April through May) to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Here are quotes, notes, prints, photos and rich resources connecting plants, people and history.
Hands–on Signs Energize “Hands Off!” Rally in Boston, April 5
Here are a few samples of the plentiful expressive statements and creative designs that characterized this significant event. Link to the quoted Boston Globe and NPR articles for basic background and dramatic photos as well.
Extinction Rebellion Mural in Arlington: Powerful, Beautiful, Mysterious, Compelling
My visit to this compelling mural in Walgreen’s parking lot at 324 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA on March 22 expanded my awareness of what people can do with art. The video below, about the completion celebration in October 2024, gives very valuable background. I hope the quotes, links and photos convey the mural’s powers.
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:
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!
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 )
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.
Art Outdoors 