Tag Archives: Massachusetts

February 8, 2017

Buttonball Tree (Sunderland, MA)

Date Of Visit: January 5, 2017

Location: 158 N. Main St, Sunderland, MA

Parking: You can park on the side of the road at or near the tree. It’s a residential area so please be safe when viewing

Cost: Free

Hours: everyday, 24 hours a day

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: “widest tree this side of the Mississippi”, biggest sycamore tree in Massachusetts, 300 plus year old tree

On a nondescript road in Sunderland, MA, stands a tree. A big tree. But, no, this is no ordinary “big tree.” This is the widest tree in the Eastern part of the United States.

The Buttonball tree, located on N Main St, is over 113′ high, with a girth of 24’7″ and has a spread of 140′. Pretty big, huh? The locals think so. Because of its size and its legendary status, locals have dubbed the Buttonball Tree, “The widest tree this side of the Mississippi.” It is also considered, wrongly, to be the “biggest” this side of the Mississippi.

In fact, another tree in Massachusetts may hold this claim. Or, at the least it may be the tallest this side of the Mississippi. The Eastern White Pine in the Mohawk State Forest in Charlemont, Massachusetts, is listed at 174 feet in height. And there are many others that are taller than the Buttonball.

For instance, the “Boogerman Pine” (186 feet tall) located in the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, is considered by many as the tallest tree in the U.S. east of the Mississippi.

In addition to these trees, there could be some huge, crazy big tree in some forest or park somewhere that has yet to be recorded. As you can see, it is a hotly contested claim!

So, the claim of “largest tree east of the Mississippi” is a title that has been debated. But, the Buttonball still holds the title for widest tree this side of the Mississippi. OK, enough fun tree facts. For now.

Who knew it would be such a contentious subject! Who knew there was so many details about these trees? But, there’s more to the tree than it’s girth and height. Besides, it’s not the size…never mind.

While the title for largest tree east of the Mississippi may be up for debate, one thing is for: the Buttonball Tree is one big tree! It is the largest sycamore tree in Massachusetts and one of the largest trees of any kind in Massachusetts. Once part of the Sunderland forest, the tree now stands in a residential area. I bet the neighbors just love all the attention. (another) Fun fact: because of their longevity, during the 17th and 18th century sycamores were sometimes planted at the door of new house for newlyweds as “bride and groom” trees. The trees lasted much longer the marriages I am sure.

Not only is the Buttonball Tree big, it is historically significant. And old. I mean really, really old. The tree is estimated at being between 350 and 400 years old. And you thought you were getting long in the tooth.

Without further delay, ladies and gentlemen…the Buttonball Tree….

In 1987, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of signing of the Constitution, a plaque was engraved in a stone and placed in front of the tree. The plaque is engraved with the following:

1787 THE NATIONAL 1987 ARBORIST ASSOCIATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETYOF ARBORICULTURE JOINTLY RECOGNIZE THIS SIGNIFICANT TREE IN THIS BICENTENNIAL YEAR AS HAVING LIVED HERE AT THE TIME OF THE SIGNING OF OUR CONSTITUTION

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15 Comments | tags: Historical, history, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, tree, Western Massachusetts | posted in Greenfield, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, trees, Uncategorized, western massachusetts

February 6, 2017

Great Barrington Kennel Club Dog Show (Eastern States Exposition Center, West Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: February 4 and 5 (the dates may vary but usually it is the first weekend in February)

Location: Better Living Center at the Eastern States Exposition Center (1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA)

Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Cost: Free (there is a fee to park)

Parking: $5 to park at Gate 9 for the entire time you stay. There is ample parking for the event

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Of course!

Web Site: Great Barrington Kennel Club Dog Show

Great Barrington kennel Club Web Site: Great Barrington Kennel Club

The Eastern States Exposition Center in West Springfield, MA has gone to the dogs. Literally.

The Exposition Center hosted the Great Barrington Kennel Club Dog Show this weekend and there were a wide variety of dogs to view, sometimes pat and of course photograph! Every dog was beautiful in her or his way and there was dogs of all kinds for any dog lover to appreciate! I tried to photograph dogs of a variety of breeds and sizes. There were so many cute dogs so this wasn’t a problem. I hope you enjoy the photos of these cute beasts!

There were large dogs like this 2 and a half year old Great Dane named Leo.

And small dogs like this 15 month old Pomeranian named Scarlett.

And there were dogs of all shapes in between! As you can tell, there were dogs of all sizes and colors.

The dogs were judged in groups at different times throughout the day and the winning dogs received ribbons. One of the things that stood out to me There were so many cute dogs to see at the event. Below are some of the beautiful dogs I saw at the show.

Annie is a 1 year old Belgian Tervuren.

Albert is a 15 month old Lhasa Apso

Cooper is a 4 year old Irish Setter.

Charlie is a 6 month old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

This smiley 18 month old Siberian Husky is Squishy.

But, how does he see? Jambo is a 2 and a half year old Briard.

Named after the hot and humid southeast to southwestwinds originating as hot, dry desert-air over Northern Africa, Sirocco is a 4 and a half year old Portuguese Water Dog.

As you may be able to tell the second photo, the Portuguese Water Dog is often groomed to show off his posterior. In addition to their tails, which act as rudders, the short trimmed fur helps them swim.

What would a dog show be without a Golden Retriever? Sometimes you just gotta have Faith, a 4 year old Golden Retriever.

Jubi (short for Jubilee) is a 1 year old Samoyed.

Sadie is an 8 month old German Shepherd.

Tess, a 1 and a half year old Airedale Terrier, is a search and rescue dog in training.

This affectionate 2 year old Burnese Mountain Dog is Dylan.

Breanna is a 7 month Clumber Spaniel

Blaze is a Portuguese Waterdog.

Lucca, named after the Italian city by the same name, is a 3 year old Belgian Shepherd. All of that posing makes you hungry!

Kensi, an adorable 6 month old English French Bulldog, barked at my camera while he posed for me. Cameras can be scary things!

Tasha is a 2 year old Gordon Setter.

Believe it or not, even Saint Bernards are small at some point in their life. Night Blu Sky is a 3 month old Saint.

That’s one way to get his attention! Hampton is a 3 month old Skipper Key.

Harleigh, a 9 month old Great Pyranese, is a therapy dog for special needs people and seniors.

Dizzy is a 2 year old French Bulldog.

Clyde is a 1 year old German Short Haired Pointer.

Billy is an 11 month old Irish Setter.

Flair is a 19 month old Saint Bernard.

Maikai Maika is a 13 month old Saint Bernard.

Eliza is a 6 month old Smooth Collie.

Sophie (in the back and on the left in the photos from left to right) is a 5 year old Newfie. Berg, her daughter , is 5 months old.

Titan is a 9 month old Great Pyranese.

Limerick, a 2 year old Brussels Griffin, looks like he’s saying, “What are you looking at?” Just looking at a cute dog.

Leo is an 8 month old Cavalier King Chafrles Spaniel.

Peyton is a 1 year old Soft-coated Wheaton Terrier

Benjamin is a 3 year old Corgi

Mac, a 15 month old English Mastiff, is a gentle giant.

Maybelline is also an English Mastiff.

Tabitha is a 7 month old Chow.

Apollo, a 200 pound and 5 year old Saint Bernard, won “Best Of Breed.”

Timber is a 2 year old Rodesian Ridgeback.

Brie is a 4 year old Standard Poodle.

Capone is a 2 year old English Mastiff.

Juice, named after the acclaimed singer Juice Newton (yes I am being serious), is a one year old Chinese Shar-Pei.

No, that is not “Cousin It.” Sorry for the decades old reference. Mirror is a Bergamasco Shepherd.

Jasper is a 4 year old English Sheep Dog.

Elda is a 2 year old English Setter.

Unfortunately, I was unable to get the name of this cute Colored Bull Terrier

Mica is a 2 year old Wire haired Pointing Griffon.

There were also vendors at the event who sold everything from clothing and jewelry to pet treats and toys.

While the dogs were judged and winners were selected, they’re all winners in my book!

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22 Comments | tags: dog show, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Western Massachusetts | posted in dog show, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, West Springfield, western massachusetts

January 29, 2017

Ordinary Matter (Boston Convention Center, South Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: January 12, 2017

Location: Boston Convention Center (415 Summer St, Boston, MA)

Hours: Reception was January 21, 2017, 6-8.

Cost: Free

Parking: If you choose to park in their garage:

Weekday Rates:
0 – 1 Hour: $12
1 – 2 Hours: $18
2 -3 Hours: $24
3 – 10 Hours: $28

10 – 24 Hours: $32

Weeknight Rates:
Evenings: Enter Mon-Fri, 4 p.m. – 6 a.m., Exit before 8 a.m.

0 – 1 Hour: $10

1 – 3 Hours: $14

Over 3 Hours (until 8 a.m.): $18

Weekend Rates:
Sat, Sun & Holidays – Enter after 6 a.m., Exit before 8 a.m. the next day.

0 – 1 Hour: $10

1 – 3 Hours: $14

Over 3 Hours (until 8 a.m.): $18

Monthly Passes:
Monthly – Reserved (limited availability): $500

Monthly – 24/7: $375

Monthly – Weekday Only: $350

Monthly – Nights/Weekends: $150

(Mon-Fri, in after 4 p.m., out by 10 a.m.; Weekends & Holidays, all day)

There is sometimes metered street parking available or other parking garges in the area.

Also, the Boston Convention Center is within walking distance ( 1 mile) from the South Station MBTA stop on the Red line and about half a milr from the World Trade Center Green Line stop)

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Web Site: Ordinary Matter

It’s amazing how the ordinary things in life can bring us so much joy and make us content. But, such is the art exhibit now being displayed at the Boston Convention Center in South Boston, MA.

During my visit to the New England International Auto Show, I noticed some striking art work in the lobby of the Boston Convention Center.

Ordinary Matter is an art exhibit that celebrates the history of still life. Still life art is said to have began in ancient Egypt and later became popularized by Dutch still life painters. Now, it is a big hit in Boston.

The exhibit featured 9 the works of nine Massachusetts artists whose works were hung in the lobby area of the Boston “Convention Center.

“Still Life” (2011) by Patricia Busso is an acrylic on wood painting. According to the placard next to the painting, Patricia says that painting reminds her to take time to absorb the natural world. She hopes her work is evocative of the unassuming beauty she seeks in the natural world.

Brett X Gamache’s “Fish On A Yellow Plate” (2010) is a photographic reproduction of oil on canvas. Brett, who lives and works in Salem (MA), has a MFA from the University of New Hampshire and a BFA from Mass Art.

“Britton Gyre” (2012) by Nicole Duennebier is a photographic reproduction of acrylic on wood panel. A Hartford, CT native, Nicole received her Bachelor in Fine Arts at Maine College of Art with a major in painting. She says she saw a natural connection between the darkness and the intricacy of undersea regions and the aesthetic of 16th century Dutch still life painting.

From a distance, this looked like a real shelf with mugs and other beverageware. But, “Still Life With Seven Objects” (2010) is a photographic reproduction of oil on canvas painted by David Harrison. He received his BFA in fine arts/painting from Maryland Institute College of Art.

“Hidden Window” (2015) by Michael Zachary is a photographic reproduction of hand-drawn marks. He holds a BA from Bowdoin College and an MFA from Massachusetts College of Art. His work has been featured in many exhibitions such as the Lux Eros Gallery in Los Angeles.

Why am I hungry all of a sudden? “Checkout” (2015) is an ink and digital work of art by Corey Corcoran. Corey earned a BA at Massachusetts College of Art and he completed a residency at Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, VT. His work has been displayed at a variety of venues nation wide.

“Wherever You Rest Your Head” (2015) is a photographic reproduction of crayon, ink, gouache, oil pastel and acrylic on paper by Elisa H. Hamilton. Elisa is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Art and Design where she earned a BFA in Painting. Her work has been shown in a varieety of exhibitions.

“Sunflowers In Mason Jar” (2005) by Maureen O’Connor is a photographic reproduction of oil on wood panel. She earned a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art And Design. Her work has been shown extensively throughout the country.

This reminds me, where did I leave my keys? I know they’re somewhere around here. Anyways, “Clink” (2008) by J.B. Jones is an oil on canvas painting. An architect by profession, J.B.’s works can be found in private and corpofrate collections throughout New England. He says his goal is to “create paintings from which the viewer might bring back one small pearl of real feeling.”

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8 Comments | tags: art, Boston, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in art, Boston, Massachussetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

January 19, 2017

Williamsburg General Store (Williamsburg, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: January 14, 2017

Location: 12 Main St, Williamsburg, MA

Hours: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Parking: There are about 5 parking spots in front of the store and room for about a dozen more cars in the rear parking lot.

Handicapped Accessible: There is a ramp on the side of thhe store but it may still be difficult getting through the entrance door.

Highlights: Daily baked bread and other baked goods, ice cream parlor, historical

Web Site: Williamsburg General Store

As a youngster, I used to love the family trips to New Hampshire and other far flung parts of Massachusetts. One of the sharpest memories I have are visiting the local general store (I especially liked the old time “penny candy”, funny how somethings never change).

A recent search on Google retrieved 3 general stores in the Western Mass area (basically west of Springfield, MA). While their numbers are dwindling, these shops still exist and I was lucky enough to find one in my travels in Williamsburg, MA.

Since the weather has been cold and the trails icy, we nixed our plans to hike some of the trails in the area. Luckily, the Williamsburg General Store was located near the center of town.

The general store has been a staple of the town for over 140 years.

The general store, built in 1876, still has the original furnace that was used with the fireplace that once stood in the front part of the store. I couldn’t help to think of all of the famous, and not so famous, people who had walked through the store before me. It’s also survived the Depression, recessions and, not least of all, New England winters.

The general store seems custom built for tourists. Memories rushed over me as I walked past the stuffed animals, t shirts with quirky sayings and other tchotchkes you would only purchase when you’re on vacation for some reason. It is deceivingly long inside.

The ice cream parlor area used to be a post office years ago. There is a table and chairs to sit down at and enjoy your coffee, ice cream or other treats. And the bread, pastry and other bake goods are baked fresh everyday by one of the employees who travels at least half an hour each way to work there.

It’s not dumb luck this store has lasted so long. The nostalgia, homey feel and pleasant staff make this place a great shop to stop by on one of your journeys to Western Massachusetts.

16 Comments | tags: general store, Historical, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Western Massachusetts | posted in general store, historical, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, western massachusetts, Williamsburg

January 16, 2017

Northeastern Poultry Congress (Eastern States Exposition Center, West Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: January 13, 14 and 15, 2017 (photos taken January 14)

Location: Eastern States Exposition Center (1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA), Mallory Building, Gate 9

Hours: January 13 3:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m., January 14 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., January 15 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Cost: Admission is free

Parking: Free ample parking is located at or near the Mallory Building parking lot

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, the Mallory Building is handicapped accessible

Dog Friendly: Service dogs may be allowed

Web Site: Northeastern Poultry Congress

Duck, duck, chicken? That is the theme at the Northeastern Poultry Congress this weekend at the Eastern States Exposition Center in West Springfield, MA.

The poultry congress has chickens and other poultry of all kinds.

In fact, there were rows and rows of chicken being displayed and/or sold.

I had never considered the beauty of a chicken, or other fowl, before. They really are beautiful and interesting looking. The chickens and other poultry were available for purchase and somee were being judged. Adults and children could be seen carrying chickens for purchase. I was surprised how the chickens and other fowl didn’t seem to resist or peck when they were being held (always with their face toward the persons body).

There were also chicks in an incubator.

These turkeys made it through the holiday season.

There were also events for children such as an event where the children both judged and exhibkited different poultry.

Concession stands were also available, although I didn’t see fried chicken on the menus.

There were also vendors selling art, nick knacks and other items.

The poultry weren’t the only cute animals at the show. One of the vendors brought her own little pet with her to the show.

The Northeastern Poultry Congress usually only stops by the Eastern States Exposition Center once a year. But, you may be able to catch it at other venues throughout the year (refer too the web site shown above to see if it is stopping by a venue near you). So, don’t be a chicken! Stop by and visit the lovely poultry if you do notice it is in your area.

21 Comments | tags: birds, chicken, ducks, Eastern States Exposition, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, poultry, turkeys, West Springfield | posted in chickens, Eastern States Exposition Center, Massachusetts, photographs, photography, photos, poultry, Uncategorized, West Springfield

January 4, 2017

Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge (Hardwick-Ware, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 26, 2016

Location: Bridge St (no really, it’s called Bridge St) and Old Gilbertville Rd, Ware – Hardwick, MA

Cost: Free

Hours:Open everyday, 24 hours a day

Parking: Despite the signs to the contrary, you can park on the side of the road on Bridge St. Parking isn’t available on the other side which leads to Old Gilbertville Rd.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Highlights: Covered Bridge in Central Mass

Many years ago, wooden bridges, particularly covered bridges used to dot the landscapes of Massachusetts.

Now, Massachusetts only has about a dozen covered bridges that you can drive on. Although it may not seem sturdy, the Ware-Hardwick Bridge, also known as the Granville Bridge because the bridge is in the unincorporated village of Gilbertville which is considered part of Hardwick, is one of the few remaining traffic worthy covered bridges in Massachusetts.

The Ware-Hardwick Bridge, or Hardwick-Ware Bridge depending on which way you’re traveling, is 139.1 feet long and is 130.9 feet at its largest span. It is 19.7 feet wide and 14.4 feet tall. I suspect trucks would have to seek alternate routes because of the low clearance. But, according to the state Department of Transportation, there currently is no weight limit for vehicles passing through. Trucks wouldn’t typically use this bridge, in any event, since it is located on a side road.

The Ware-Hardwick Bridg crosses the Ware River which was relatively calm and iced over in some parts during my visit.

The bridge, which is a covered through lattice wooden single-web, double-chord truss design, was originally built in 1887 according to public records, despite the sign bearing the year 1886 just above the entrance on the Ware side. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 8, 1986, roughly 100 years after it was originally built.

The original bridge only had a capacity of 6 “short tons” (5.4 tons). It was closed down in 2002 to restore the structural integrity of the bridge due in part to an insect infestation. The bridge re-opened in October, 2010 after a $1.9 million restoration project.

Fun fact: the bridge was one of the few bridges to survive a major flooding on the Ware River in 1936.

Below is a video of us driving over the bridge.

30 Comments | tags: bridge, Hardwick, Historical, history, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Ware, Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge | posted in historical, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

January 2, 2017

Geographical Center Of Massachusetts (Rutland, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 26, 2016

Location: Central Tree Rd, Rutland, MA (I can give you the exact address if you are planning on visiting) (about half an hour northwest of Worcester, MA and 1 hour west of Boston, MA)

Hours: Everyday, 24 hours a day

Cost: Free

Parking: You can park on the side of street or park at one of the farms or stables on the road and walk over to it

Handicapped Accessible: Ye

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlight: A maple tree planted at the geographical center of the state of MA

This may look like any ordinary tree, an ordinary maple tree to be exact. But, it is actually a very special tree.

The tree located on appropriately named Central Tree Rd is the marker for the exact geographical center of the state of Massachusetts.

Previously, an Elm tree stood there but it died of Dutch Elm disease around 1969. The red maple tree was planted as a replacement.

A small wooden fence with a sign on it marks the center of the state.

I’m sure the residents love all the attention.

13 Comments | tags: Attraction, fun, Historical, landmark, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Rutland, tree | posted in historical, landmark, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, trees, Uncategorized

January 2, 2017

Feeding Time At Stanley Park (Westfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 28, 2016

Location: 400 Western Ave, Westfield, MA (about 2 hours west of Boston, MA and about 20 minutes west of Springfield, MA)

Cost: Free

Hours: Presently open everyday 8 a.m. -4:30 p.m. (hours change depending upon the season)

Parking: There are a few different parking areas. The main parking lot on Western Ave has room for about 200 cars.

Handicapped Accessible: The playground area, fields and picnic areas are but the trails and many of the walkways are not.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: hiking trails, birds, wildlife, pond, flower garden, statues

Often considered the jewel of Westfield, Massachusetts, Stanley Parkis one of the prettiest parks in Western Massachusetts and it looks even more picturesque after a snowfall.

Due to the recent cold spell and snow, the pond and much of the vegetation at Stanley Park had been iced over so they were eager to get some food. As a disclaimer, most parks do not encourage you to feed birds. But, if you do, there are certain foods you should never feed to ducks. Bread is the biggest no-no on most list. These are some better foods to feed to birds.

At any rate, visitors like to feed the birds at Stanley Park and that gave me an usually good chance to photograph some beautiful ducks.

There were so many birds congregating at the pond waiting for a nibble of food.

Luckily, one of the visitors at the park, Jim, brought some food for the hungry birds.

Jim’s dog took the birds in stride.

I have photographed Stanley Park before and, since it is very close to my mom’s house, I always try to make a visit out there as often as I can.So, you may sees posts about this park from time to time.

Stanley Park, or Stanley as it is more commonly known as, is a popular spot for dogs like Sansa is a 5 month old Siberian Husky.

Below is a video of feeding time at Stanley Park:

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13 Comments | tags: birds, dogs, ducks, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, Westfield | posted in birds, dogs, ducks, ice, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, pond, snow, Uncategorized, Westfield

January 1, 2017

Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date of Visit: October 15, 2016

Location: 9 Glendale Rd, Stockbridge, MA

Hours:

May – October and holidays:
open daily: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

November – April: open daily:
Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Weekends and holidays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Parking: There is a large parking area for 100 or more cars across from the museum.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, and they even have a separate parking lot for handicapped parking beside the museum

Dog Friendly: No

Highlights: original art work by Norman Rockwell, other works of art by various artists, sculptures behind the museum

Web Site: Normal Rockwell Museum

Nothing may say Americana like the work of Norman Rockwell. And, in a small town in the Berkshires you can still view this idyllic vision of America from so long ago.

But, even before you enter the museum, there is art abound. Along the walk way to the museum there are these unique sculptures and works of art.

Since it was the middle of October during our visit, the grounds of the museum were bursting with colors.

Rockwell was a prolific artist and his work is widely regarded as being some of the finest art in modern American history. Virtually every home, office or school has at one point hung a Rockwell painting, or more accurately somewhere in their building. In fact, I remember seeing this one in my doctor’s office.

The museum allows photograpy, just not flash photography. So, make sure to grab your DSLR or make sure your camera phone is fully charged before you go.

It’s so hard to choose the best Rockwell painting, especially since everyone has different tastes. But, here are a few of the paintings at the museum.

Throughout the day, a curator or other staff member gives a brief lecture on the life and works of Norman Rockwell.

There are also works of art by other artists at the museum. They range from more traditional works of art to modern works of art. There wa also a special tribute to cartoonist and satirist Thomas Nast during our visit.

Behind the museum is an open area with sculptures, some of who were sculpted by Norman Rockwell’s son, Peter Rockwell. The art work is very creative.

“Monster” made from fiberglass resin by Peter Rockwell, 2014

Sculpture by Peter Rockwell

“Junkyard Baby Buggie” made of license plates, tools, hubcaps, antique bottle and miscellaneous articles by Thomas Fiorini listed at $11,000.

Sculpture by Peter Rockwell

“Birdy Buggy” by Erika Crofut. Made of steel, vines and trash treasures. Listed at $2,200.

“Nuclear Family Totem” by Angelo J Sinisi, made of steel and bronze. For the low low price of $4,000.

“Christmas Buggy On Main” by Dee Moretto, made from wood, bondo, metal, fabric and paint.

“Bedrock Carriage” made of gypsum cement, copper and mocha moss, made by Thomas Mesquita. It’s all yours for $3,000.

“Bachelor” by Nicole Peskin made of found objects and welded steel. Listed at $9,000. Maybe I need one of these for my bachelor pad.

Sculpture by Peter Rockwell

There is also a tour of Norman Rockwell’s studio.

21 Comments | tags: art, Massachusetts, New England, Norman Rockwell, photographs, Photography, photos, Stockbridge | posted in art, Massachusetts, photographs, photography, photos, Stockbridge, Uncategorized, western massachusetts

December 29, 2016

PYR 2014 (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: November 4, 2016

Location: Fort Point Channel, corner of Dorchester Ave and Summer Street, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Hours: 24 hours a day

Handicapped Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Web Site: PYR 2014

Highlights: Sculpture of a pyramid in Boston’s Fort Point Channel

If you’re hoping to view pyramids, you don’t have to book that trip to Egypt quite just yet. You only need to make a visit to Boston, MA, to see a pyramid of grand dimensions. The pyramid located in Boston named PYR 2014, which was sculpted by Boston-based sculptor Don Eyles, is said to be a sculpture that marks the past and future history.

The pyramid is made of plastic blocks which have been painted to look like the paving stones of the streets of Boston. It is more of a white shade. But, with the sun and the shade it threw that day, Mother Nature made it look a much darker color in some photos.

But how did they get this sculpture in the channel? Did they use some complicated contraption? A pulley system? Was there a helicopter drop? No. Nothing so elaborate was necessary. This link show how they did it.

Cormorants like the pyramid also.