Category parks
“PlanTable” in Chin Park Serves Many Important Purposes
Quotes and photos below focus on a few features. Links at the end lead to more. “At a time when cities like Boston face intensifying summer heat and widening environmental disparities, PlanTable offers a living, participatory response—merging ecology, culture, and community in one dynamic space. This multidisciplinary project, presented in partnership with Pao Arts Center, emerges from a deep collaboration between artists, designers, community advocates, and climate thinkers. ” ( Quote from Greenway Public Art, PlanTable)
Enjoy More Dreams Upon the River, Studios without Walls in Riverway Park, Brookline
This final sequel post shares photos and links for the six sculptures not shown in the two earlier posts.
Photo-Collage Aluminum Prints Tell Many Stories in Misa Chhan’s “Year of the Snake” on the Greenway
I loved walking among the compelling pages of this sturdy, large-scale outdoor book in Auntie Kay and Uncle Frank Chin Park on the Greenway one evening in late July. Focused on faces, fabric patterns, and family members, I formed connections at my own pace. My next walk there will bring out more to share. Meanwhile quotes from the Greenway link should offer context and entice you to explore Misa Chhan’s artwork.
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.
Dreams and other Themes Connect Seventeen Sculptures in Riverway Park, through August 2025
I am lucky to live near enough to enjoy this engaging exhibit throughout July and August. Before June ends, I’m posting quotes, links and a few samples to lead you there in person or at least online! “Studios Without Walls, a Brookline nonprofit, is sponsoring Dream Upon the River, its 26th annual exhibition. Twenty-one local artists have created site-specific works of art that will remain on view at Riverway Park throughout the summer.” (till Sept 1)
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.
StoryWalks Playfully Reflect Their Settings
This post is a quick follow-up to STORYWALKS DISPLAY BOOK ARTS IN PARKS WORLDWIDE, INCLUDING CAMBRIDGE with two examples of the eight StoryWalks in Cambridge listed for this summer, 2024. Placement of book pages at children’s eye levels along fences around playgrounds helps relate their outdoor play to themes of selected books.
STORYWALKS Display Book Arts in Parks Worldwide, including Cambridge
In recent summers I’d been captivated by spreads of whole picturebooks along fences in Cambridge parks. I’ve appreciated these broadened views of related illustrations and book design, as well as the opportunity for everybody to follow stories as they move throughout a park.
This post shares examples from my city, plus some background information that made me aware of StoryWalks around the world.
Indoor Exhibit Reveals Stories and Processes Behind the Lifespan of Outdoor Art
The exhibit “Rust Happen(s): Caring for the Public Art Collection” opened at Cambridge Arts Gallery 344 in March, but I didn’t get there till the end of June. It will close on July 19, 2024. I’m posting quickly now to maximize remaining time for you to enjoy this revelatory exhibit.
Art and Science Enlighten Us in a Not-quite Total Eclipse
Without the dramatic light changes of a total eclipse, this party in Kingsley Park offered creative ways to engage with and understand the significant event above us. I was impressed with the availability of learning resources and supportive volunteers. Here are a few photos of what I glimpsed when I wasn’t peering through eclipse glasses or other devices.
Art Outdoors 