Big Hoops To Fill (Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA)

Date Of Visit: June 15, 2025

Location: Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Dog Friendly: Yes

Parking: There are several parking lots and garages in the area. Metered parking may also be available.

Website: Big Hoops To Fill

Summary: There is a new multi-use art installation on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway

“Door knockers” or swings? That is what many people have been been asking themselves when they see the new art installation on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.

The answer is both!

The artwork, “Big Hoops To Fill”, features two “door knocker” earrings made of steel, resin and fiberglass composite, epoxy paint and polyurethane.

But, this is not just a work of art. People use the “door knockers” as a swing. In fact, that was the highlight of the art. Many people, both young and older, enjoyed swinging on it. This dual function of the art has made it one of the most popular attractions on the Greenway.

According Ja’Hari Ortega, the Boston-based sculptor and jewelry-maker, the “door knockers”, which are cast from fiberglass with steel interior supports, are reminiscent of swings she used to swing on as a child.

The art is also a cultural statement. According to Ja’Hari, this work of art draws upon the cultural weight of bamboo hoop earrings which are considered an iconic style of jewelry worn by many women of color that originated from early hip-hop culture and fashion. Artists such as Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shanté, and Queen Latifah (they were definitely on my playlists or “mix tapes” when I was younger) have been known to include these types of ear rings in their fashion.

According to Ja’Hari, “Big Hoops to Fill” creates opportunities to “heal one’s inner child, cultivate and encourage healthy multigenerational relationships, and foster confidence in one’s identity and culture.”

“Big Hoops To Fill” is set to be on display along the Greenway Until October, 2026. So, stop by for a swing!