Tag Archives: Al Riskalla
Delight in Restored Mural, “The Soul’s Journey as a Series of Weird Old Cars” by Liz LaManche
These photos celebrate ,the restoration in June, 2026 of a uniquely meaningful mural Liz LaManche first created in 2016 to grace all forty-five feet of the park steps in Gilman Square, Somerville. An ART OUTDOORS post from 2023 explains its origin in memory of Al Riskalla,” for his years of kindness, humor and honesty, creating a safe congenial space & fixing cars affordably for those in need. ” (quote from Liz LaManche, The Soul’s Journey As A Series of Weird Old Cars ) That post also noted how the mural had been blocked off and worn down by extensive construction work, with my appeal to restore such impressive public art. This sequel shows my wish was granted!
Liz LaManche’s Mural Transformed a Park Stairway in Memory of Al Riskalla
Here are my photos from 2018 of Liz Lamanche’s unique, memorable mural I had long hoped to post about. Delayed with hopes of getting more worthy photos in different seasons, I was then daunted by roped-off, covered steps during a few years of construction related to the Boston area transportation system.
Construction now completed, the mural’s faded and worn-down surfaces overwhelmed my attempts at photo-taking. If there are funds for mural restoration in Somerville this year, I’d advocate for this one above all! Meanwhile, I offer quotes and links to more vivid photos on the artist’s website Earthsign, to affirm this mural’s special features and fascinating story.
