Category gardens

Mitch Ryerson’s Benches Begin Adventures for Many at MMVA

Mitch Ryerson’s Dancing Benches near the Sacramento Street sidewalk signal the start of the short walk to the gate that leads our way to workshops and studio classes at MMVA whenever art centers can open up again. Meanwhile these two benches have led my way to learn how many other enticing outdoor structures have come out of Ryerson Design.

Spiral Inspired Art for Quincy Square, a Collaboration of David Phillips and Halverson Design

In earlier posts about David Phillips’ art, I noted his collaboration with Halverson Design, but here I’ll let it shape my perspective with quotes from Cambridge Public Art resources about this park that opened in 1997 near Harvard Square.

Marianna Pineda’s Sculptures Create Connections

While museums everywhere, including deCordova Sculpture Park, were closed for the past two months, I began to look more closely at the art that was still accessible in my neighborhood. Fortunately for me that includes the grounds of Harvard University and within those Radcliffe Yard. There among other areas with intriguing art is the Alexandra D. Korry Sculpture Garden around Marianna Pineda’s Oracle Portentous.

Birdwatching Merges with Watching Art on Somerville Community Path

Walking Somerville Community Path from Willow Ave toward Grove Street (near Davis Square), watch for hints of nesting in Christopher Frost’ s “Annex” and note the wide-spread wings of the newly landed Raven in “a Free Range Sculpture Garden.” 

David Phillips Links Earth and Sky at Maud Morgan Arts

The previous post showed Gail Boyajian’s “Bird Mosaic ” in the memorial garden with David Phillips’ marking stone. This one leaps to the top of Maud Morgan Arts where his paintbrush-and-palette weathervane shifts directions with the wind. Next it takes in the whole building’s exterior design to identify other artists’ contributions that should get focus in future posts.

Gail Boyajian’s Mosaic on the Ground Looks Up to Birds, Myths, Flight, and Sky

While museums and art centers must be closed, I’ve opened my eyes to art outside their doors. Today I’ll focus on “Bird Mosaic” by Gail Boyajian in the memorial garden to the right of the gate to Maud Morgan Arts in my neighborhood. Planned sequel posts should show and tell more about the art center and the garden (Mary’s Garden).

Animal Sculptures Greet Us along the Somerville Community Path

None of the animal sculptures in this post are very new to the Somerville Community Path, and I have visited them all before. Mainly I delayed posting about them because I wanted to learn more about each one. So far my usual online research has not led to informative links I’d like to share.

This week though, with playgrounds closed and other outdoor options limited, the bike paths beckon people of all ages. Along the path, intriguing artworks await our attention and give pleasure by their presence. Maybe this post will lead to answers from people who made these animals or know the stories of their creation.

Madeleine Lord’s Sculptures Inspire Action in Boston and Beyond

Four of Madeleine Lord’s scrap-metal sculptures have enlivened the lawn of Federal Reserve Bank of Boston for at least four years now. Through those years I have wanted to post about them but hoped to take better photos and learn more about the artist first. Earlier in November I got to see more of her art in the New England Sculptors Association exhibition Spirit of Place at Castle Hill.  I still need to take good photos, but I can link you to strong ones on the artist’s website and two other sites listed below. Those sites also offer fascinating information about Madeleine Lord’s art and process, such as her statement here.

George Sherwood’s Art and Tower Hill Botanic Garden: A Marvelous Match

Yet again I feel compelled to post without the revisiting, rereading, and rethinking I like to do before pushing the Publish button on this Wordpress site. George Sherwood’s kinetic sculpture exhibit Wind, Waves &  Light, Art in Motion, will end on October 14, 2019. Tower Hill Botanic Garden will continue and develop through the years ahead. I certainly want to see more of both, but first I must urge as many people as possible to plan to go before the sculptures leave.

Tufts’ Monumental Mascot: Jumbo by Steven Whyte

The first time I saw Steven Whyte’s Jumbo statue on the Tufts University campus I had big plans to post about it. That was in April 2015 when it was first installed and celebrated.  Now four years including several visits later, I know that the massive range of Jumbo’s stories kept me from a decisive post. Today I’ll try to step back and share a bit of the big picture.