Category Installations

Follow Changes and Connections through Art Ramble 2023 “Geo-Metric” in Concord

‘Art Ramble is an annual, temporary exhibition in the Hapgood Wright Town Forest in Concord, MA, a collaboration of The Umbrella Art Center and Concord’s Division of Natural Resources (CDNR).’ (quote from The UMBRELLA, Art Ramble 2023) September 1 – November 19, Curated by Stephanie Marlin-Curiel

Part 1: Rob Greene, Liz Helfer, Ellen Schön, Laurie Bogdan, Fran Sharp, Susan Arthur

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.

Enjoy Additions to Art Scrim* by Muideen Ogunmola and Stephanie Vecellio on Acadamy Way, Zone 3

In August, I learned of two new displays of art on fabric along fences near the intersection of North Harvard Street and Western Avenue in Allston. The series by both artists extended my own awareness of how the semi-transparent quality of scrim textile can work with the metal fence patterns as well as the natural and constructed landscape. Until I revisit and learn more, here are my recent photos and quotes from informative links.
*”ART SCRIM is a temporary outdoor gallery program that highlights local artists by turning construction fencing around Barry’s Corner into a platform for sharing art. “

Explore Stories Behind Patricia Thaxton’s Monumental Mural in Harvard Square

This post is my way to preserve elements of the valuable Gallery 344 exhibit (now ended) about Patricia Thaxton’s work for her monumental mural around the Harvard Square kiosk. The exhibit presented original collages as well as photos of the artist’s process. These, as well as text and visuals, helped me understand and appreciate how this complex, spirited mural came to be. Here are quotes, photos, and informative links.

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.

Large Marble Leaves by Claudia Comte Shine beneath Tall Oak Trees in Central Wharf Park

Enticed by a notice from NOW+THERE about the current installation of Claudia Comte’s Five Marble Leaves in Central Wharf Park, I visited on a sunny October morning. During a delightful half-hour documenting with my iPhone, I began to plan a first post that would convey the captivating combination of artwork and setting. I hope these photos, quotes, notes, and links meet that goal now or soon after further adventures in the park.

Revisit 2022 ART RAMBLE, “IN THE BALANCE,” through November 19!

The first post about Art Rambe 2022 gives a brief overview, plus photos and notes about work by five of the eleven artists. This second post follows with focus on three other artists. A third post, coming soon, should include installations by three more. Each artist’s website should take you to additional views of their installations and more comprehensive information about their creative work. Whether or not I post beyond those, Art Ramble 2022 is sure to yield new discoveries as autumn advances.

Visit 2022 ART RAMBLE “In the Balance” for Connections and Perspective

My first visit to Art Ramble 2022 was the rewarding Walkabout and Artist Reception on Saturday, September 17. Engaged, enlightened and excited by presentations from several artists and curator Stephanie Marlin-Curiel, I wanted to share their stories as soon as possible. Yet I was short on time to take, process, select and organize photos that justly represent the art. This post mostly gives the overview, with quotes, notes, and links that should entice you to visit soon or otherwise explore online. Meanwhile I’ll plan on further opportunities to visit and focus on additional artworks in October. This post includes art by five of the eleven artists : David Ardito, BARD, Laurie Bogdan, Robert Greene, Rebecca McGee Tuck

Bottle Trees on Brattle Street Bring Histories to Light: “Forgotten Souls of Tory Row”

Several times this summer I have viewed and visited the bottle trees on the History Cambridge lawn. I hope to keep revisiting till they’re gone, April 2023. For now, I’ll share photos, quotes, and links that help me appreciate, understand, and reflect on an enlightening project, “Forgotten Souls of Tory Row: Remembering the Enslaved People of Brattle Street.”

ART SCRIM Extends Possibilities for Public Art Outdoors, as shown by Yenny Hernandez, Anna Dugan and Deborah Johnson

Each of these three artists has created several fabric panels that transform stretches of metal construction fencing near the intersection of Harvard Street and Western Avenue in Allston. One, Anna Dugan, incorporated concrete Jersey barriers as well. All three worked out their own distinctive series of panels printed on scrim, a lightweight durable translucent textile that has long been used in theater sets. Daylight, street light, clouds, the sky itself, and any machinery or equipment behind the fence can add variables to our view. Whether driving by or standing near, we respond to these shifting features. I grew more aware of such changes as I photographed the art. In fact, I felt that each artist had recognized and successfully addressed the possibilities of scrim.