Category humor
Delight in Restored Mural, “The Soul’s Journey as a Series of Weird Old Cars” by Liz LaManche
These photos celebrate ,the restoration in June, 2026 of a uniquely meaningful mural Liz LaManche first created in 2016 to grace all forty-five feet of the park steps in Gilman Square, Somerville. An ART OUTDOORS post from 2023 explains its origin in memory of Al Riskalla,” for his years of kindness, humor and honesty, creating a safe congenial space & fixing cars affordably for those in need. ” (quote from Liz LaManche, The Soul’s Journey As A Series of Weird Old Cars ) That post also noted how the mural had been blocked off and worn down by extensive construction work, with my appeal to restore such impressive public art. This sequel shows my wish was granted!
Ladies of Liberty Stand Out in Arlington and Stand for Creative Forces Everywhere
Liberty images, statements, and costumes created by a group of artists for the Boston No Kings Rally in October came together for Fall of Freedom, November 22, with continuing sense of purpose! These photos, quotes, and links should support their promise.
Ongoing Applause for Bread & Puppet Theater Circus
Some “Serious and Silly” Scenes on the Cambridge Common, September 13, 2025 (with quotes for background and links to sites with better photos!)
Arts Enhance Action in Boston Labor Day Parade, 2025
Costumes, displays, banners, posters, music and dance relate to the theme: Workers over Billionaires!
Glad to be there and then go through many photos. Here are a few examples of statements people made in different ways.
Good Signs at Good Trouble Rally on Boston Common across from the State House
This Boston rally, July 17, in memory of John Lewis, drew on many ways to make good trouble: posters, stencils, bubbles, costumes, singing, speaking, signing, dancing, chanting, painting, and much more. Let photos and quotes here suggest the event’s energy and emotions.
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.
Uplifting Updates about Hayward Zwerling’s Interactive Artworks: Giraffes and Elephant on Bike Path
George the Giraffe, Big Poppy, and Elly the Elephant still grace the Somerville Community Path on both sides of the Cedar Street intersection. More than five years have passed since they first mysteriously appeared.All three bright sturdy animal characters continue to turn delighted heads of people passing, in familiar greeting or surprise! Bikers, walkers, runners, and school groups still stop by to set them in motion, with a reliable, satisfying sense of effort. Now finally I feel free to confirm that Hayward Zwerling created them! A recent Globe article, April 2024, by Spencer Buell reveals their stories, with great supporting photos.My main goal here is to enthusiastically share links to the Globe article* and to valuable related resources ( videos, context) on Hayward Zwerling’s website.
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.
Liz LaManche’s Mural Transformed a Park Stairway in Memory of Al Riskalla
Here are my photos from 2018 of Liz Lamanche’s unique, memorable mural I had long hoped to post about. Delayed with hopes of getting more worthy photos in different seasons, I was then daunted by roped-off, covered steps during a few years of construction related to the Boston area transportation system.
Construction now completed, the mural’s faded and worn-down surfaces overwhelmed my attempts at photo-taking. If there are funds for mural restoration in Somerville this year, I’d advocate for this one above all! Meanwhile, I offer quotes and links to more vivid photos on the artist’s website Earthsign, to affirm this mural’s special features and fascinating story.
Changing Art Joins Constant Sculpture in Brattle Square: Ann Norton’s “Gateway to Knowledge” Stands with Beings Created by Minimum Wage Art
Tracking the relocations of “Skraelings” created by Minimum Wage Art (Bob Smith) led me to learn about Ann Norton’s long-standing brick monument in Brattle Square. Links and quotes offer background and perspective.
