Category landmarks
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.
Onward with Hands-Off Signs, April 2025
Here are photos friends have shared from Hands-Off rallies near them, just hints of much more everywhere. They extend the range of spirited signs within Boston and beyond. Links connect to the earlier post about Hands-Off rallies plus hopeful happenings since then.
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.
“Hatchlings” Offer Even More Ways to Enjoy the Greenway This Winter
Walking a snow-covered stretch of the Greenway for an hour in late December, I got to visit seven of nine Hatchlings* with increased appreciation at each site! Certainly now I want to see and revisit them all many times before they leave in late February. This quick post with notes and quotes aims to urge anyone who can do a winter walk in Boston to enjoy them too. For everyone else, the resources here offer intriguing information about their origin, presence, and potential as public art. *including two initially on the Esplanade
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.
Actively Enjoy Public Art by ponnapa prakkamakul,* Part 1: “You. Me. A Place to Be.” Mural and Rainbow Hopscotch Game in Allston
Here is one of two related posts with photos, quotes and links to share exciting public art created by ponnapa prakkamakul* with active community participation!
You. Me. A Place to Be. outside the Harvard Ed Portal, 224 Western Ave., Allston, until March 2025
The Lexington Women’s Monument by Meredith Bergmann Brings Together and Celebrates Many, Many Inspiring Stories
My first and only visit to the monument so far was for the artist’s enlightening talk on Dedication Day, May 18. I plan to return often, eager to absorb everything sculptor Meredith Bergmann’s amazing artwork offers. Meanwhile here are quotes, resources and a few photos to guide your own visit, online or in person.
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.
See How a Mural Can Connect People, Past and Present: El Punto Community Mural Designed by David Fichter
Generations” – “Generaciones”i nstalled September 2023, Harbor St/Congress St, Salem:
Visits to “Generations” – “Generaciones” on site or online (or both, many times) will powerfully connect us to people and events in the history of a significant part of Salem. This mural is just one of many that David Fichter has designed for numerous communities to relate dramatic moments and human interactions in their history. Families, school groups, and anyone attentive to what’s happening up on the wall will find lots to enjoy and discuss! This post offers quotes, links, and photos that should lure you to explore “Generations” – “Generaciones !”
Actively Change your Views of Artworks at deCordova Sculpture Park
Seeing art from all sides is always a rewarding feature of deCordova Sculpture Park. These two recently installed artworks* offer revelations from such opportunities. Here are photos from walk-arounds of both neighboring artworks with notes, quotes, and links that add perspective.
*Huff and a Puff, Hugh Hayden; ^Temporal Shift, Alyson Shotz
Art Outdoors 