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!
Parking: There are several parking lots and metered street parking in the area
Summary: Dozens of bricks representing people, places and things related to Boston (and some of the surrounding areas such as Cambridge) are installed on the ground of the alley way on Winthrop St.
Watch where you’re stepping on Winthrop St in Boston, MA! You may be stepping on history.
The roughly 100 bricks scattered along Winthrop St (don’t worry, I won’t include them all), which were created by sculptors Kate Burke and Gregg LeFevre in 1985, depict something related to Boston. The alleyway is easy to miss. So, you do have to pay close attention. It is located between Otis and Arch Streets
One of the bricks, which were funded by the Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund, is something any Boston driver can relate to. In fact, I think he cut me off the other day.
Yes, Boston drivers can be animals at times. At least he’s using the “10 and 2” steering wheel method.
Like them or hate them, Boston is also known for its sports teams and sports in general. These bricks represent everything from the Boston Marathon (the longest active marathon in the United States) to the oldest Major League Baseball park in the states (Fenway Park) as well as some rowers and the most winning team (in terms of championships); the Boston Celtics.
This Boston Bruin logo was included in this brick which also contains logos of the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, or more commonly known as “the T” in Boston) as well as the logo for the New England Sea Aquarium in the left hand corner. “I can walk like a penguin.” If you got that reference your AARP card is in the mail.
Of course, Boston is a city of firsts. These bricks show off some of the firsts the city may or may not be known for. For instance, did you know the first wooden golf tee was invented in 1899 by Dr. George Franklin Grant in Boston, MA?
Another sports first is the claim to the use of the first baseball glove. Although it is debated (one historical reference states the first “buckskin” gloves, which were more like actual gloves, were worn as early as the 1860s). But, the first gloves that resemble what we use now are said to have been worn by first baseman Charles Waitt in Boston.
One more first represented by the bricks on Brick Alley is the first First Night which should really be called “First Morning” or “Last Night”. But I digress.
Boston held its first (and the country’s first) First Night December 31, 1976. I guess people just went to bed at a reasonable hour before then.
Another first in Boston is the first resident. After all, it had to be someone. And that someone was Rev. William Blaxton (also spelled Blackstone). He moved to what would later to Shawmut Peninsula which would later become known as Boston in 1625.
Since it is an area so rich in history, there were also several bricks dedicated to the history of the city.
This brick could signify a few different battles or clashes in Boston or were part of the “Boston Campaign” of the American Revolutionary War. But, I am assuming this brick pays tribute to the “shot heard around the world” and the subsequent Battle of Lexington and Concord just outside of Boston. I’m not saying who shot first, though.
The first public park is indeed in Boston. Boston Common was established in 1634 by the Puritans to serve as meeting place for public, military and recreational purposes. A lot of effort and care were used to show all of the paths in the park.
These swan boats which are in use every summer in the public garden adjacent to the Boston Commons,. They have been in operation in one form or another since 1877 when Robert Paget, a ship builder in Boston started making them.
Another first is the Boston subway system. The subway system in Boston is the first in this country (the first subway stops were Boylston and Park Street). The first trains began operating in 1898 and I think they’re still in use today. At least it feels that way,
The Boston Latin School, which was founded in Boston in 1635, is the first public school in the country. It has been in continuous operation since it formed on April 23, 1635. And, no, I wasn’t in attendance. I’m not that old.
While the sewing machine is in its earliest forms was not invented in Boston, the inventor of the first practical and commonly used sewing machine was a mechanic from Boston named Elias Howe. Elias invented the first modern lockstitch sewing machine in 1845. The underlying lockstitch design Elias invented became the foundation for most modern day sewing machines and is still used to this day in most sewing machines.
Boston is also known for its many arts and entertainment. These bricks include the POPS (the Boston Pops). Although they’re most famously known for their performances during the 4th of July celebrations on the Charles River Esplanade, they perform on many other occasions at many other venues.
This brick is a tribute to the ballet dancers that perform at the many events throughout the year. But, I will always get Nutcracker vibes when I see them.
The opera is also a staple of the art which is plentiful in the area.
This brass instrument is commonly used in the Boston Pops concerts and at other concerts throughout the city.
The Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, MA, is one of the oldest continuously running zoos. But, not the oldest in the country. The 72 acre zoo opened on October 4, 1912.
Boston is proud of its history and accomplishments. One of those accomplishments championed by President Kennedy, from Boston, was sending astronauts to the moon by the end of the decade, although he was not alive to see it to fruition. This brick shows both the moon and the approximate distance to the moon.
This brick shows some of the most famous people from Boston in their final resting places.
Speaking of final resting places, many of these newspapers no longer exist. A few, like the Boston Herald, the Boston Globe and Christian Science Monitor are still in operation, though.
This historical event was a real mess. The Molasses Flood of 1919 was just that; a flood of molasses. On January 15, 1919, a 58 foot tall and 98 foot diameter molasses storage tank in Boston’s North End burst, releasing 2.3 millions of molasses into the streets. The dark brown syrup is said to have reached speeds of 35 miles per hour and left a 10 foot deep, 100 yard tidal wave that destroyed everything in its path. Twenty one people were killed and 150 more people were injured. Wen the air is just so and the breeze is just right, it’s said you can still smell the thick scent of molasses.
These bricks are representative of the protests and how we have worked to make the world a little bit better.
I never liked tea anyway.
“Yes”. “No.” I wish they’d make up their minds.
The Underground Railroad did include parts of Boston, specifically the north slope of Beacon Hill and other areas in Boston.
The Stamp Act was another political issue that was hotly debated and protested. If only things were still so simple today.
We have a lot of famous landmarks and buildings. A few of them were represented in the alley.
As it is stated clearly on it, this brick is a depiction of the State House in Boston, MA. Yes, the dome is really covered in real gold leaf. And you wonder why we’re so grumpy.
This brick is an artful design of the Old North Church in Boston, MA
The Custom House Tower, also located in Boston, MA, is also on one of the bricks.
Some of the bricks would need a little explaining. So, what’s a “Smoot”!?
A “smoot” is a non-standard unit of measurement (defined as 5 ft 7 inches). This measurement perfectly fits Oliver Smoot, an MIT fraternity pledge from 1958. The fraternity members used poor Oliver to measure the Harvard Bridge in Cambridge, MA (it measured 364.4 smoots long). The fraternity brothers measured him, made him lie on the bridge, marked his full body length and continued the process until they had covered the entire length of the bridge. And I thought I had a lot of free time. The “smoot” has remained a tradition at MIT and a well known landmark (by locals at least). And each year the fraternity repaints the yellow markings.
Another brick that may need some explaining is this brick that has “George or Paul?” No, not those George and Paul. There are two statues in Boston of two pretty famous people. One statue with George Washington on a horse is in the Boston Public Garden. The other statue is of Paul Revere, undoubtedly on his ride to warn us all about the British, is located in Paul Revere Mall in Boston’s North End.
This may seem like a pretty straightforward design on the brick below. It is the Longfellow Bridge which spans the Charles River and connects Boston’s Beacon Hill to the Kendall Square area of Cambridge, MA (or vice versa). The bridge has an interesting history and background. The S and the P are meant to represent “salt” and “pepper” as it is also known as the “Salt” and “Pepper” bridge because the shape of the central towers on the bridge resemble salt and pepper shakers. Great. Now I’m hungry.
When it was originally built in 1845, the bridge was named the West Bridge. It was rebuilt in 1906 and eventually it was named the Longfellow Bridge after a certain writer penned a poem about the original bridge (West Bridge) entitled “The Bridge.”
These two seemingly random creatures actually have a very close connection to our history. They are both located on a very old and important historical building; the Old State House. Located on Washington St in Boston, the original State House is also near the site of the Boston Massacre. In any event, this lion and unicorn are located on the exterior of the building near the roof. These are the same figures used in the coat of arms for the United Kingdom which are reminders of its past.
These are only roughly half of the bricks on the alleyway. So, there are many more for you to find on your own! Just don’t forget to look down!
Summary: 17 spots (24 works of art) in downtown Boston (Downtown Crossing, Government Center and Rose Kennedy Greenway to be exact) with some fun and artistic exhibits
In it’s second year, the Winteractive exhibit in Boston, MA, featured a variety of creative and, in some cases, illuminated art displays.
The displays, which were scattered throughout the Downtown Crossing, Government Center and Rose Kennedy Greenway areas were created by a combination of American artists and our friends from the north in Canada.
The first exhibit at Winteractive was actually one of the six Mr. Pink inflatables.
Winthrop Center
Mr. Pink #1 (pvc, steel and cable)
Federal St
Located at Winthrop Center, Mr. Pink 1 was sneaking a peak into the Vermilion Club on Federal St. “Monsieur Rose” (Mr. Pink) is a considered a type of art called Mignonisme or Cuteism. Mignonisme is a form of art that embraces the aesthetics of cuteness in our physical and psychological environments. You will see a few more of Mr. Pink (6 in total) in this exhibition.
The Living Lantern
NEON Studio & Frankie Boyle
Shopper’s Plaza, Washington St
As you can see by the photos above, the Living Lantern offers a sense of light and hope. Visitors were encouraged to spend time and observe the lanterns change color, The changing colors were meant to express a deeper and longer lasting emotional relationship between people and their surroundings. The animated light colors infused the space with flowing colors. Video of the lantern can be viewed at the bottom of the post.
No, that’s not my car. For one, it has less miles on it. But, it does remind me of the debris one might encounter on our highways in New England.
This art installation called Alouette is meant to be a representation of the failed promise of a brighter future. It also could equally represent the ever-growing obsession with connectivity and the resulting accumulation of space waste. This exhibit was made in 2017 by Brandon Vickerd who hails from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Brandon likes to introduce anomalies into everyday life to show the failures of scientific positivism and the utopia of its boundless progress.
Sonic Runway
Rob Jensen and Warren Trezevant,
Government Center
The Sonic Runway was a light-art installation that converts audio signals into patterns of light that shoot down a 342 to 432 ft (105 to 132 meters) corridor of 20 to 25 LED lined arches at the speed of sound.
At the front of the Runway, the observers see musical sound waves rippling away from them. Walking down the corridor, sound and light are always in sync. Looking back from the far end, walkers can see the sound waves coming at them, and hear the music as the pattern reaches them.
Mr. Pink 2
Philippe Katerine
Historic Boston Inc, School St
Mr Pink was located on the roof top of Historic Boston, Inc. on School St.
Celestial Garden
Lucion
Dewey Square, Rose Kennedy Greenway
One of my favorite displays in the Winteractive exhibit, Celestial Garden features a group of circular shaped spheres that change colors with the largest sphere housing some interesting works of art.
Celestial Garden was described a sa unique artistic installation that illuminates the heart of Boston. Inside the 30 foot in diameter sphere, a fantastical garden comes to life, blending sky, land and sea. This immersive space is home to fantastic plants and creatures, created from cut-outs painted with fluorescent colors that light up under the black light as soon as night falls.
Nature’s Glow
Mike Geiger
Summer St Pedestrian Walkway
Nature’s Glow was described as a light installation that stood as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of the spiritual and natural worlds. The design symbolized the nurturing embrace of a forest spirit, manifested in the structural framing, which tenderly shelters a bed of foliage. The spirit’s serene, watchful presence connects us to the nurturing forces of nature, reminding us of our intrinsic bond with the environment. This installation encourages visitors to reflect on their own relationship with nature and the unseen forces that protect and surround it.
Slap Shot
LeMonde Studio
High St
Slap Shot was a human powered hockey stick and puck. There was a little crank you could turn that turned on the lights on the stick and puck. You might see the lights on the white tape of the stick. There were also lights on the puck!
The exhibit celebrated the NHL’s first-ever 4 Nations Face-Off coming that took place in February, when Montreal & Boston served as host cities to some the best hockey players in the world representing their home countries: the US, Canada, Sweden, and Finland.
Mr Pink 3
Philippe Katerina
Post Office Square
Mr Pink was also found in the trees at Post Office Square.
Mr Pink 4
Philippe Katerina
the alley next to Barry’s on Chauncy St
Cycle
Serge Maheu
Government Center
The next exhibit, Cycle, was located at Government Center. It was lit up and it did change colors.
Cycle is an interactive installation inspired by the revolutions of the sun and the moon, that illuminates open spaces.
Composed of a series of modules allowing various configurations, and equipped with several light animation sequences, Cycle delights with its variations in intensity and color. Diffusing brightness from its core, it evokes the halo effect of an eclipse.
In a maestria of light and sound, Cycle comes to life at the rhythm of bystanders’ interactions. By moving to the beat of the ambient music, the young and the young at heart transmit their energy to Cycle, transforming it into a larger-than-life musical sequencer.
Hockey Hijinks
Brandy Saturley
Boston Downtown Window Display
This display combined Canada hockey and art history. Some of the art, such as the woman with the man in the Montreal Canadiens jersey are callbacks to real art (in this case American Gothic).
A Winter Messenger
Breehan James
Boston Downtown Mural
In folklore, white deer are said to bring luck and good fortune. In some cultures, they are associated with enlightenment, healing and personal growth. They are said to inspire us to seek wisdom, seek wisdom and embrace change while finding meaning and beauty in our connection to the natural world.
Nature’s Solace
Mike Geiger
New England Sea Aquarium
Nature’s Solace is a light installation that symbolizes the balance between the spirit and nature. This design captures the essence of multiple forest guardians, whose presence is echoed in the structure that gently houses a lush canopy of greenery. The guardians’ calm and protective aura serves as a reminder of our deep connection to the earth and its caretakers.
Mr. Pink 5
Philippe Katerina
Hyatt Regency Boston
This Mr. Pink could be found pointing at passerbys.
Polar Bear Passages
Brandy Saturley
Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) are magical creatures, loved by many. These white beauties often stir deep emotions in humans, especially now as their habitats are disappearing due to global warming. The Polar Bear is seen as a guiding spirit when facing dramatic life transitions, especially at the onset of a new path or major change in life. Capturing the playful and inquisitive creature as he searches for a new home.
Mr Pink 6
Philippe Katerine
29 Winter St
This high flying Mr Pink attracted large crowds!
It has only been a little over a month since Winteractive 2025 ended and they’re already planning for Winteractive 2026 on their website! And I plan on being there!
Please see below for some videos from the event!
I have been continuing my review of books by authors from New England or about New England. The latest book I re-read was Following Atticus by Tom Ryan (304 pages).
Without revealing too many spoilers, the book is an inspiring story of a man and his love of hiking and, more specifically, his love of hiking with his dog, Atticus. What a pleasure it was to re-read this gem! In fact, I feel like re-reading it again! The story isn’t just about a man and his dog, though (although it is the main plot). There are also stories of the challenges he faced with his family and other people in his community. You don’t have to love or even like hiking or dogs (however weird that seems) to enjoy this book. Although, it may help if you do.
You can read my full review (with spoilers) at my good read profile below.
Just in time for the holiday season, 12 sixteen foot nutcrackers have been placed throughout in Boston’s Downtown Crossing area. But, these are not any regular nutcrackers.
The nutcrackers, which are fashioned with similar attire one would find on an actual nutcracker, have one significant difference…they have animal heads!
The animals for the designs of the nutcrackers were selected by children during a visit with Downtown Boston Alliance President Michael J. Nichols at a local Boston day care center. Some of the animals they suggested using for that statues include an elephant, a bear, an eagle, a duck (specifically a mallard) and a dog among other animals.
Most of the nutcrackers, 7 to be exact, are located on Washington St. For a point of reference, I am showing the statues from the area of Washington St near the Paramount and going up Washington St. I’m including a photo of the Paramount just because, even though it’s arguably one of the most over photographed spot in Boston (I see you Acorn St and Fan Pier).
The first statue is a polar bear. It is located by the Suffolk University Modern Theater (and the Paramount Theater).
This cute little cat is located near the WINDR Museum on Washington St. I don’t like that smile. It looks like he or she got into some cat nip!
This mallard is located near Snipes (467 Washington St). Sometimes it was difficult to get a straight on photo of these statues because cars were parked in front of them. I actually just walked around and waited for the vehicles to move. But, taking a photo from an angle was a better option for this statue because the bill of the duck looks better from an angle.
I found this unicorn on Winter St after I took the next left after the mallard.
Then, I walked back towards Washington St and crossed over to Winter St where I found these 4 statues of a rhino, a horse, an elephant and an eagle near Macy’s (450 Washington St).
Then, I continued back onto Washington St to photograph the remaining statues. I found this deer near the Gap and DSW stores.
Just as an fyi, the attached map is not accurate. The map shows the dog as being at this location.
These 2 statues of a dog and another duck are located at the popular stairs between the TJ Maxx and Old Navy. I liked how the buildings looked in the background.
The last statue I found was of this beer near the Jewelers Building (333 Washington St)
All of the statues are easy to find and accessible to all. And I love the little accessories like the hats and the epaulets on their shoulders! I also appreciate how some of the animals seem to be talking or making faces in some cases. The best part, though, is the lights, of course. While you can view them day or night, the best time to view them is at night when the colors stand out more. However, the features may be easier to see during the daylight hours. But, don’t wait too long to see them. The statues will only be there until Jan. 2, 2025.
Of course, Boston was decked out with Christmas decor during my visit! So, as a bonus, I am adding this photo of one of the stars installed near one of the main streets in the city.
Summary: For the past 2 years, Facone has been holding dancing events along the Greenway.
They were dancing on the Greenway this summer. Specifically, the Dancing on the Greenway, a series of dancing events along the Rose Kennedy Greenway, took center stage every Tuesday during the summer months.
The event attracted dancers of all capabilities and a few curious onlookers.
The best part of the event was watching everyone just having fun. It didn’t matter if they were good dancers, not so good or somewhere in the middle.
Each dancing event featured a different type of dancing. The theme of the dancing event during my visit was Scottish Ceilidh. Pronounced as kay-lee, Ceilidh is a gaelic word meaning gathering or party. And the dance event seemed more like a gathering and party. While technique and style were a bonus, it was really all about having fun and learning about this Scottish Ceilidh dance genre. A dance instructor and experienced Scottish dancers helped lead the dancers during this event.
Some of the music for these dance events the summer were recordings played on a sound system. But, I made sure to stop by while there was a live band performing. Susie Petrov, Stephen Thomforde and Marnen Laibow-Koser provided the music for the event I attended.
AS darkness fell upon the Greenway, the lights of the city lit up the dance area.
In yet another sign that summer is indeed winding down, the final Dancing on the Greenway event is Tuesday, August 27. But, they may be back again next year! So, don’t forget to stop by next summer! Just don’t forget to bring your dance shoes!
Summary: Boston City Hall Plaza hosted a family friendly, free celebration of Boston native Donna Summer and all things disco!
Disco lives on! At least for one night Boston, MA!
For the past 10 years, Boston has kept Donna’s legacy alive with their Donna Summer Disco Party, A native of Boston, MA, Donna Summer, a 5 time Grammy winner and inductee in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, has left an indelible mark on the music industry and the city.
The event included dancing, roller skating and, of course, music!
People came to the party dressed to impress!
Some of the accessories from their outfits lit up! This nice lady showed off her earrings. Yes, they change colors!
And this tierra lit up!
People even got dressed up to go roller skating! (more roller skating photos later)
Hundreds of people attended the event which made for a crowded dance floor. But, people still found a way to get their groove on!
And, of course, what would a dance party be without a “Love Train?”
The event, which took place between 5 and pm provided some great lighting, I especially like how the setting sun shone off people’s hair.
There was also hula hooping and jump rope for people to enjoy!
The highlight of the evening was the roller skating, especially for the photo opportunities! I try to catch people in their natural state. But, everyone seems to want to smile whenever they see a camera!
The event was pet friendly and I saw quite a few different pets at the disco party.
From left to right is Millie and Walter
And from left to right are Bandit Amadeus and Whitey Bulger. Walter is giving them some serious side eye!
The event was topped off with a musical performance by Donna Summer’s sister, Mary Gaines Bernard and her nephew O’Mega Red.
It was really fun and refreshing to see so many people come together and have fun while expressing themselves freely.
If you missed the event, don’t worry! The Donna Summer Disco Party is an annual event! So, I’ll see you next year. Just don’t forget to bring your roller skates!
Summary: 16 art exhibits are located throughout downtown Boston.
While this winter weather may have been a difficult one for many of us, there was a bright spot in the downtown Boston area. The walkable art exhibit known as Winteractive brought some color and fun to what can be a dreary and frigid Boston winter.
The exhibits, which were inspired by the winter art festivals in Quebec, Canada, are located throughout the downtown Boston area. However, they are mainly located near Downtown Crossing train station, City Hall Plaza and High Street as well as Summer St. near the South Station train station. You can view the locations on this map. While it is possible to walk to all of the exhibits, it may be a good idea to use public transportation or rideshare services to view some of the exhibits off the beaten path.
As you will see, some of the exhibits are interactive. Whenever possible, I got some friendly people to help use the interactive devices for filming. I am listing these exhibits in the order of their locations. Eleven exhibits are are located in or near the Downtown Crossing area. Two more are located in or near City Hall Plaza and the last 2 are located in the Financial District on or near Summer St. Consult the map on the attached link above if you plan on visiting these exhibits.
Echoes: A Voice From Unchartered Waters
1 Franklin St
Mathias Gmachl (United Kingdom)
Steel structure on base
As you emerge from the Downtown Crossing train station, the first exhibit you will see ifs Echoes: A Voice From Unchartered Waters. This exhibit in the shape of a whale is meant to ask us to consider our everyday activities on nature and the environment and to make us be more aware of its fragility. The exhibit not only lights up. It also makes sounds that you can only hear if you’re very close to it.
The artist Mathias Gmachl said he wanted to create a space for people to discuss the future of our planet.
The next 5 works of art were all completed by the same artist; Mark Jenkins. These are all listed below. Mark uses common household or personal items such as tape, wigs, fabrics, fishing rods (yes fishing rods) and rope among other items in his work. Although there is not ,more information available for all of these exhibits, I have included some info when I can find it. Since some of the exhibits relied on their lighting to add to their artistic value, I only went either at night or just before night time. I did like how the sunset or pre sunset light reflected on some of the installations.
Fisherman (Untitled #1)
Summer St at Chauncy St
It is not fish, but love, this person is trying to catch. Good luck, there!
The Swing (Untitled # 2)
Winter St at Tremont St
Woman Suspended (Untitled #3)
Temple Pl
*this exhibit is temporarily unavailable
Stairwalker (Untitled # 4)
31 Bromfield St
Clothesline (Untitled #5)
9 West St (the site of the outdoor lot at Brattle Book Shop)
Blissful Rendezvous
Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza
Kezna Dalz
Vinyl digital print
This exhibit was meant to show the commonalities between the Boston and Quebec provinces by including the flora and fauna of both locations and using Boston as its backdrop. You may notice some of the more notable landmarks and things common in Massachusetts and New England such as lobsters, deer and colorful flowers.
There are also 5 “play feature” exhibits made by LeMonde Studio. They make sounds, light up or do some other fun things based on user interaction.
Light Lane Bikes
Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza
I tried to get someone to ride these bikes so I could display the way the lights change but I had no takers. The colored lines on the bikes light up and moved as people pedal. That’s it!
Guitar Slide
City Hall Plaza
As the name suggests, there is a slide on the neck of this guitar
Music Box
High Street Place Entrance
Photo Frame
Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza
I was able to persuade someone to crank the lever on the device next to the frame and light up this picture frame!
Bird House
Hyatt Regency, One Avenue De Lafayette
This is another interactive exhibit. You simply crank the lever on the box and the bird makes some interesting sounds!
“End Game” (Nagg & Nell)
Max Streicher
Recycled vinyl signs, fans, steel cable
This was certainly my, and many other people’s, favorite exhibit. There were always a group of people stopping by to photograph it whenever I passed by the area. However, the back story of the characters in this exhibit is pretty grim. The inflatable heads are based on characters in the play by Irish novelist Samuel Beckett; End Game. In this play, the characters Nell and Nagg are forced to live out their lives in a dumpster after losing their legs. Yikes.
The mythical unicorn stands behind a frosted glass display. This was a tricky photo to take. I wanted to photograph it at night to show off the light in the display. Yet, the display did tend to reflect the glare from the street lights and lights from the storefronts. In retrospect, I should have photographed it from the other side.
Island Of Warmth
125 Summer St
ATOMIC3
Steel and light elements
Two hundred and twenty bulbs light up intermittently on this visual, musical and luminous display. The Island of Warmth is a tribute to Montreal’s festive tradition. But, despite the name, it’s not going to keep you warm. So, don’t try to warm up by it!
Territories 2.0
175 Federal St
Olivier Roberge
Steel, polycarbonate, paint, miniature models, LED lighting
Described as a “true narrative microcosm”, this walk in exhibit is a diorama which depicts a natural environment that has been abundantly transformed by human intervention and climate change.
Although it’s more like Springactive at this point, this exhibit is a must see if you’re in the Boston area! But, don’t wait. The displays will only be up until April 15!
Location: Dewey Square, Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA (1 hour and 10 mins southeast of Concord, NH and 1 hour northeast of Providence, RI)
Cost: Free
Parking: Metered street parking is available. There are also several parking garages in the area. Visitors can also access the mural by taking the redline or commuter rail to the South Station train stop.
Summary: A new mural, “Breathe Life Together”, adorns a building at the Dewey Square section of the Rose Kennedy Greenway
Boom boxes and track suits have made a come back. At least they have at the mural at Dewey Square on the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
The mural, made with acrylic and aerosolized paints, the mural is meant to “honor and ask you to join the conversation about the past, present, and future of our communities in Boston, reminding us what we can do together” according to artist Rob “Problak” Gibbs.
A native of Roxbury, MA (Boston, MA), Gibbs uses graffiti to chronicle and immortalize the culture and history of the “Golden Age of hip hop.” Rob considers graffiti to be a form of hieroglyphs as well as a way to document and pay homage to underserved, underheard communities in the city.
Literally and figuratively rising from the grass, the young girl in the mural is a reminder of the past and our future.
The mural is located across from the South Station MBTA train stop on the red line. It is expected to remain there until the spring of 2023 when a new mural will be painted.
As you inch back to a re-opening, a sure sign that normalcy is a new mural on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. And what better way to celebrate a rebirth and promise than flowers, lobster, watermelon and other staples of spring and summer in New England!
The painting by Daniel Gordon, a Boston native who grew up in San Francisco, CA, and now resides in Brooklyn, NY, likes to use manipulation and distortion of imagery. In fact, if you look closely at the mural you may see hidden images among the painted objects.
In fact, everytime I look at this complex work of art I see something else.
The mural, which will be on display until May, 2022 when a new mural is expected to be painted, is located right across from the South Station train station and the Boston Federal Reserve on Atlantic St.
Location: Boston Seaport Common, 85 Northern Ave, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Hours: Open to the public 24 hours a day until March 30
Summary: nearly 2,000 pink flamingos have been set up at the Boston Seaport Common until March 30
Flamingos have invaded Boston.
Over 1,900 flamingos (some of them a little tipsy) have been planted at the Boston Seaport as a way to brighten up the area and make people smile. This fly by night installation, which is the work of Massachusetts-based developer WS Development, won’t last long though. The birds are expected to stay at their location at the Seaport Common through Tuesday, March 30. Then, they are migrating to the Street Chestnut Hill (MA) and Market Street Lynfield (MA) from April 1-12.
Contrary to popular opinion, these flamingos are not new to the area. In fact, these flamingos have a long history in MA. Don Featherstone designed the first flamingos for Leominster based Union Products in 1957.
They won’t be here for long! So make sure to flock to the Seaport before they fly away!
New England Nomad 