Tag Archives: Cecily Miller
“Confluence” at Spy Pond in Arlington Flows with Grace through Time and Space
Begin with a new installation Confluence by Laurie Bogdan and Kimberley Harding. Then follow a path enriched by continuing presence of earlier installations, : Colony III, Current, Persistence, ExtraOrdinary Birds.
“Arboreal Attire” and “Chairful Where You Sit” Extend History around Jason Russell House in Arlington
Sculpture by Leslie Wilcox, Poetry by Jessie Brown, Chairs Transformed by Many Artists: This post honors an inspiring event last Saturday (8/21/21) that reminded me, yet again, of how much public art keeps offering no matter how many challenges continue. Walking among at least thirty chairs and six tall trees with unique creative identities, I began to understand they all shared histories extended by artists’ careful appreciative attention. Also most chairs there were made with wood, so crafted originally from trees. Musical performances, poetry reading, artist talk, and many other happenings were free for anyone who visited the lawn of the historic Jason Russell House near Arlington Center.
That led me to this quick post ( with links, quotes, and key resources in red type) because the chairs are only up for bidding until September 5:
Arlington’s Artist-in-Residence Michelle Lougee Highlights the Existence of Persistence on the Bikeway
Many hands and minds created each of nearly forty unique forms installed among the trees two months ago to survive four seasons of New England weather. Their shapes and textures have become more distinct since October’s shade from autumn leaves has gone. Like others who use the bikeway, I’ll watch for ways the art will change with wind, snow, sleet and sunlight. And I’ll keep thinking of the meanings of “persistence.” Meanwhile, here are quotes, links, and images that should reveal the resourcefulness, resilience, and reasoning that have carefully kept this prescient project going.
Birds Led to Absorbing Art on the Bikeway in Arlington
A sudden flurry of bird activity in my yard this past weekend got me out on the mild Monday, February 3, to revisit three artworks in easy walking distance from each other: Extraordinary Ordinary Birds, “Colony,” and “Penny the Swan.” All three added to my appreciations of birds and art.
Eileen de Rosas’ Art Brings Life to Brick in Arlington
My January journey to this temporary art, up since mid-December, inspired me to track down information, stories, and colorful images that are best enjoyed on Eileen de Rosas’ website under Public Art.
James Weinberg’s Art Transforms a Brick Wall, a Bus Shelter, and a Book Idea
This fall brought opportunities to see three new works of art, each with different scale and surface, but in the same distinct compelling style of one artist, James Weinberg. Plants, animals, and sky appear in all three, adapted to the materials and dimensions assigned to their creation. A large brick wall, a framed glass structure, and the paper pages of a picture book serve as stages for dynamic dramas.
Mystic River Mural Project is an Impressive Ongoing Story
For many years I had cast admiring glances at stretches of the Mystic River Mural while driving past the intriguing composite scenes. Always on the way to somewhere else, I never stopped or searched enough till recently to learn that the mural has been growing for more than twenty years!
Late Spring Look at Artwork on the Bikeway: “Ripple” and “Current”
This is my third post about these two artworks, though I have visited almost monthly and would gladly visit more often as local runners, walkers, and bikers likely do. This post simply offers my recent photos (May 31, June 9, 2018) with ever-growing appreciation of what trees and artists can do together.
Temporary Artworks by Adria Arch and Frank Vasello Connect Trees and People
If trees along the Minuteman Bikeway could talk, what would they say about the two most recent Arlington Public Art installations? I think they would say thank you for the respectful attention they’ve been given by artists Adria Arch (“Ripple”) and Frank Vasello (“Current”). As a person passing along the Bikeway, I truly thank both artists for engaging me with the enduring structures and distinct qualities among trees. At the same time, I relish the marvelous patterns created by human hands and minds. I want to look longer, return often, and urge others to visit these artworks too.
Art Outdoors 