Category Women’s history

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.

Daphne Xu’s Photo Exhibition in Chin Park Offers Valuable Perspectives on History: “Boston Busing in Chinatown, 1975″

Viewing these ten large-scale photos in the park led me to learn more and realize what I had never understood before. This power of public art on the Greenway now leads me to share the following quotes and resources, especially the important booklet “Boston Busing in Chinatown, 1975 -2025″!

Both Sides of One Monument Multiply Powers of Purpose: “Something Is Being Done” by Meredith Bergmann

Here is an overdue sequel to The Lexington Women’s Monument by Meredith Bergmann Brings Together and Celebrates Many, Many Inspiring Stories posted in July 2024. Photos in that post included people engaging around the monument in celebration. Photos in this post focus on the forms and details of women or girls represented within the monument.The goal here is to bring out how both sides* of the monument share distinct outlines while portraying notably different individuals. A story for each individual is told in LexSeeHer audioguides.Compare the matched images within panels on both sides to recognize this impressive aspect of the artist’s design, which multiplies the monument’s significance!

Boston Women’s Memorial Resounds with Past and Present Voices

 Boston Women’s Heritage Trail (BWHT) alerted me to a resonant event, Women and the Fourth at the Boston Women’s Memorial on Commonwealth Avenue. Joining Meredith Bergmann’s sculptures of Phillis Wheatley, Abigail Adams, and Lucy Stone, Executive Director Dr. Alexandria Russell read aloud from Frederick Douglass’s powerful 1852 speech, What To the Slave Is the 4th of July?

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.

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 !”

Meredith Bergmann, Sculptor of the Boston Women’s Memorial Speaks at Premier of Talking Statues, October 21

This quick post copies information and links (in red) with background about a significant event I wish I could attend. I do plan to follow up soon, after I experience these Talking Statues on Commonwealth Avenue Mall!

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.

A Statue and a Stamp Shed Lights on the Life of Sculptor Edmonia Lewis

A public radio segment about sculptor Edmonia Lewis (1845-ca. 1909) recently roused me to order a sheet of newly issued stamps honoring her and then to seek out the marble monument she made 150 years ago for a family lot in Mount Auburn Cemetery. Stories behind the new stamp and the long-standing sculpture led to more revelations about the artist’s life, through resources I will share here with quotes and links.

Artists Ekua Holmes and Elizabeth James-Perry Bring MFA Lawn to Life with “Garden for Boston”

Whether or not you go inside the Museum of Fine Arts, on the front lawn you will find rich offerings by artists and curators attentive to soil, sun, sea, community, and history. One morning in early August, I joined other visitors enthralled by plantings and perspective in the collaborative venture called “Garden for Boston.” Delighted by discoveries, I’ll share a few of my iPhone photos with quotes from enlightening resources on the MFA website and other specified links.