Category public art tours
Applaud Process and Progress: Rixy’s “The Midnight Ride” Mural in Dewey Square
During two enlightening, exciting events beneath the mural in progress, I only wished my iPhone could capture a close-up of the artist Rixy high up on the boom lift at work on “The Midnight Ride,” Luckily, as of June 4, the WBUR newsletter contains that important image and also writing that heightens the drama of such grand-scale creation! My main reason for posting now is to share the link below, along with quotes, key resources (including notes about her team of artists), plus a few photos from my phone.
Reflections on Andreas Von Huene’s Granite Sculpture, Salmones Salari
Today I want to share the sculpture Salmones Salari because it is still there. Created by Andreas von Huene for installation in Lowell School Park in 2004, the art has survived more than two decades and will likely last for many more.
In contrast with the celebrated real-life Atlantic Salmon, who might only complete their own full lives in just one year, the two polished granite salmon persist within their pool. The sculpture seems stable, unlike the many exciting temporary artworks I prioritize for posting because they will be gone within a year. Yet this artwork also goes through changes every year.
Art Ramble in Brister’s Hill, Walden Woods, Weaving an Address, sequel: Curator Talk by Marla McLeod Opens Eyes to Art on the Ground and among the Branches
On May 25, a wondrously worthwhile walk led by Marla McLeod, as curator and artist, added greatly to my awareness of the art on Brister’s Hill. I had already posted based on a solo walk and online research, but Marla shaped my vision for this sequel. Here are photos from her Curator Talk*, plus my promised focus on three artists not shown in the first post: Ekua Holmes, Perla Mabel, and Anthony Peyton Young.
Art Ramble in Brister’s Hill, Walden Woods, Weaving an Address
After one walk along Art Ramble on Brister’s Hill, I have many photos and much yet to discover about the compelling art and history here. This post, with quotes and links to resources, should serve as a starter for everything I hope to share about Weaving an Address in the months ahead!
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.
Take Time to Take in “Tapped In -Moving Hearts and Minds Through Art and Science”
The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA, April 11 – June 8, 2024 “TAPPED IN” is an innovative art installation at the intersection of art and science that combines outdoor public art with an indoor educational gallery display. Inspired by the concept of ‘edges’ in ecosystems, “TAPPED IN” celebrates the dynamic intersections where diverse influences meet, bringing together ten artist-scientist pairs* to offer fresh perspectives on climate change, CO2 mitigation and action.”
KENDALL SQUARE ART WALK: A Great Way to Find and Focus on Public Art
For countless years I’ve wandered around Kendall Square in Cambridge to locate murals, sculptures, and other outdoor art to post about. Now a new numbered map and list from THE ART WALK PROJECT provides a much-needed self-guiding resource. KENDALL SQUARE ART WALK has already proven its worth for me, with exciting promises ahead! Here are two sample discoveries from January 1, 2024, late afternoon in Kendall Square: a recent mural by Sophy Tuttle and a long-standing sculpture by Chris Williams,
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
Take in Bike Tour of Public Art in Cambridge: Central Square, Cambridgeport, and Riverside
This post notes outstanding outcomes of an exciting event one perfect evening in late July 2022: the beautifully organized free bike tour of Cambridge public art between Central Square and the Charles River. 1. Bike-riders of all ages gathered outside the Central Square Library for an overview of art around the library and along the planned route of the whole tour. Cambridge police and attentive volunteers guided everyone safely through the sunset finale. 2. The tour is now engagingly documented in a 2-minute video. 3. The route has become a self-guiding tour for cyclists, though certainly adaptable to walkers. Facts, links and videos on the tour site are informative and intriguing for interested readers far from Cambridge. 4. The whole experience even elevated my already towering enthusiasm for public art!
Murals offer Many Ways to Celebrate a City: “Chelsea Resilient: Call and Response Through the Ages” and “City of Dreams”
In mid-May I visited two mighty murals barely two blocks apart: “Chelsea Resilient: Call and Response Through the Ages” by David Fichter and “City of Dreams” by Silvia López Chavez. With great enthusiasm, I now share photos, quotes, and links that should convey the rich history and possibilities of both murals.
Art Outdoors 