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,
Many concerts and other memorable events have marked my good luck of living a few blocks from Memorial Hall* for more than five decades. But this winter was the first time I walked around the whole building looking up and taking photos in wonder at the multitude of marvels. My mission had been to focus on the handsome brick designs, yet metal, stone, tile and glass all called for admiration.
*“Memorial Hall, immediately north of Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a large High Victorian Gothic building honoring Harvard men’s sacrifices in defense of the Union during the American Civil War—”a symbol of Boston’s commitment to the Unionist cause and the abolitionist movement in America.””
Links on or below photos should lead to more information plus inspiring photos of people making and sharing their art, for three creative community projects in Arlington: 1. YOU ARE LOVED mural, 2. Poetry on windows, 3. Painting on windows
Here are a few photos from late summer, 2023, soon after the giant deer was installed in Inman Square. I still hope to do a sequel post with perspective on the whole plaza, but these current quotes and links add fascinating facts about the sculpture and the sculptor!
Farewell Lincoln (150 feet long, Cor-ten steel and bolts, installed 2012) events, October 22,2023
De-installing Lincoln October 23, 2023:
It is simpler for me to select from photos of two final days with Lincoln than from so many moments through more than a decade of great days in deCordova Sculpture Park. I hope to do a future post with significant overview of Lincoln, plus other newer artworks by DeWitt Godfrey. The good news after Lincoln has gone is that its numerous cylinders can become parts of exciting new sculptures in other alluring destinations.
Almost every September for many years, kids and adults on my street have met to choose a Halloween theme. The choice determines numerous creative activities, thoughtful plans, and devoted efforts that culminate in three memorably intensive hours on Halloween night. Almost every November I review my photos from that night while pondering how, why, and whether to post on ART OUTDOORS about the impressively plentiful temporary art.
Finally this November ( 2023) I have put together a post, limited to images in waning daylight before the surge of action, music, drama, and festive interaction with costumed, curious visitors. So here, without my usual captions, links, quotes, and notes, are glimpses of the great results produced by neighbors of all ages.
“The Pemberton Street Mural was designed by Cambridge artist Whitney Van Praagh in collaboration with Alex Adamo and Kit Collins, with additional artistic contributions from many local residents and Cambridge youth. The mural was funded through the City of Cambridge Participatory Budgeting Process and supported by Cambridge Arts.” ( quote from Cambridge Arts calendar, October 2023)
My photos here are from one day when the Pemberton Mural was almost finished ( October 10) and another day soon after completion (Oct 26).
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!
Silly to keep waiting for all construction in Kendall Plaza to stop obstructing parts of Jessie and Katey’s brilliant designs on two main entries there. September 2021 was the celebration of completion; but after four visits since then, I am deeply impressed with the vitality they add to often disrupted surroundings.
After one visit in September, I hope to return several more times before the exhibit ends November 19. Meanwhile this second post* offers more quotes, links, and photos that should help you decide to explore Art Ramble now, in person or on screen! (Part 1 with six of the twelve artworks) *(Part 2 with six more )
“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, including map) September 1 – November 19, Curated by Stephanie Marlin-Curiel
Art Outdoors 