Summary: The zombies took over Salem, MA, earlier this month!
Zombies of all shapes, sizes and ages gathered in Salem, MA, to feast upon some of the brains of the city folk. They originally planned to go to Washington, DC. But, they would have gone hungry.
All of the zombies, monsters and other ghouls met up at Salem Commons for some photo opportunities. From prom queens to fear leaders, the costumes were as creative as they were scary!
Some of the zombies got tired even before the walk began.
Eventually, the zombies lumbered their way through downtown Salem. Over the years, the walk has really grown in popularity. hundreds if not thousands of people lined the streets, many of them recording the walkers on their cellphones. And the zombies didn’t disappoint. They moaned, leaned into the cameras and shuffled their way through the streets. I love how they get into the spirit of the event!
In some of the photos, you may notice the participants were given buttons that state “I Survived the Zombie Walk!”…or did they? We may never know.
Despite all the moaning, shrieking and close calls with the zombies, the city survived the zombie walk just fine. This time.
The zombie in the video below usually brings his laboratory experiment with him each year!
Location: Salem Commons , North Washington Square, Salem, MA (35 minutes northeast of Boston, MA)
Cost: Free
Dog Friendly: Yes
Universally Accessible: Yes
Summary: Salem Commons transformed into the days of the 1920s for a very special event.
It was a swinging good time last weekend at Salem Commons.
For the past 6 years, the Salem community Neighborhood Association has hosted the Vintage Lawn Party. The party included dancing, antique cars, music and vendors selling all things vintage.
On my way to the event, I noticed this sky writer. Only in Salem!
While dressing up for the event is not required, it is encouraged and appreciated! Many people came dressed up in their best vintage wear! In fact, it seems like each year more guests decide to don their best attire. I used some special settings such as black and white and sepia to give some of the photos an old timey feel.
Annie and the Fur Traders kept the people dancing with their swinging sounds.
And, of course, there was dancing.
If dancing isn’t your thing, there were some cool cars to check out. In previous years, there was only one or two cars at the party. But, over time as word about the party spread, more and more cars began to show up. I love the curves, shape and sleekness of the cars.
This 1966 Excalibur has a special connection to Salem. It was the very same car used in the Bewitched episodes filmed in Salem, MA. The owner of the vehicle, “Sid” posed with his car.
Below is a photo of the very same car from the Bewitched episode filmed in 1970.
There were also lawn games for everyone to enjoy. Although it may seem like a new sensation, cornhole has existed since the 1880s in different forms.
Croquet, another game that has been around since the 1800s, was also a popular game played by both the young and old.
This 5 year old is quite the croquet prodigy.
There were a number of merchants selling everything from clothing, art ceramics and everything in between.
After a long day of partying and dancing, this pooch was all partied out!
Summary: 100 elephants were placed along the Cliff Walk in Newport, RI.
The elephants have come to Rhode Island.
No, these isn’t a tagline for the next Hollywood blockbuster. The Great Elephant Migration was a display of 100 elephants made from lantana, a plant common in the southern and northeast part of India. It’s truly incredible to think the artists could make such incredible artistic renderings of elephants.
The 100 Indian elephants, which have since been transported to New York City, were displayed at 3 locations along the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island; The Breaker’s Mansions, Salve Regina University, Doris Duke/Rough Point Mansion and there was a solitary elephant on display a little farther away from the Cliff Walk at the Great Friend’s Meeting House at 21 Farewell Street, Newport, RI, which is posted below.
The elephants were made in the shape of actual elephants. The herd consists of replicas of real-life elephants personally known to The Coexistence Collective. The Coexistence Collective is a community of around 200 artisans in southern India who made them. And, most of the elephants had names and, in some instance a matriarch twin. For instance, Sarah, the Duchess of York, is the matriarchal twin of Mayflower, who had a darker shade than most other elephants because she is a darker shade in real life.
It took 6 to 7 years for the artists to complete each elephant. So, a lot of care was taken to get all of the details right for each elephant.
The first place I visited to photograph the displays was The Breaker’s Mansion. It is a beautiful mansion inside and out. There were 28 elephants at this location. Initially, I was going to photograph every elephant and include their name for each of them. However, that seemed like pure drudgery and not necessarily much fun for people to look at. So I scrapped that idea. I did, however, photograph all of the elephants. Very often, I think I shouldn’t photograph something. Then, after looking at it a second time, I am glad I did. That is one thing I’ve learned from taking so many photographs. There are no shortcuts and you really shouldn’t always go with your gut instinct. Something that looks like a dull or “mid” photo can actually look very nice after a second look.
The elephants were on sale! The sales would go to raise funds for the 22 conservation organizations around the country. The prices ranged from $8,000 for a baby elephant to $22,000 for the largest tusked elephant. I heard from a volunteer that almost all have already been sold.
I particularly liked how they kept the parents and babies together in some of the displays.
They also seemed to show the elephants smiling or possibly talking. As though they were happy to be there.
I couldn’t help myself from taking a few photos of the architecture and art at The Breaker’s. I hope to get more photos another time when I go on a tour.
I made several trips to the exhibits, particularly the elephant display at Salve Regina University because it was easily accessible off the Cliff Walk. My favorite photos were from when I visited just after sunrise. I particularly liked how the sun shone on the elephants. Plus, there were less people there to get in the way of the photos. And, that was the most difficult part of the photo shoot. It was a very popular display and some of the elephants were located at mansions that didn’t open until 10 am. So it was almost impossible to photograph those elephants without people being there. I noticed in many of my photos some of the elephants had a few extra legs and feet. And human at that!
However, my favorite place to photograph the elephants was at The Doris Duje Estate (aka Rough Point). The wide open lawn and scenic background was very pretty. It almost made you feel like you were in India photographing them. Well, sort of.
Elephants weren’t the only animals on display at the Rough Point Mansion. Flowery depictions of Princess and Baby were also on display on the front lawn. Princess and Baby were Doris Duke’s pet camels.
The displays at Salve Regina University were pet friendly. Fiona a 4 year old mixed breed, got in the shade under this elephant.
As I mentioned above, the elephants are now in New York City. They will eventually go on to Miami South Beach, the Buffalo Pastures in Browning, Montana, and Los Angeles.
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!
Location: Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 160 Derby St, Salem, MA
It’s 1774 in Salem, MA. The British military governor of Massachusetts General Thomas Gage moved the state General Court and capital of Massachusetts from Boston to Salem. This was done for a variety of reasons but stemmed from something having to do with tea.
After the little dustup also known as the Boston Tea Party, the British Parliament, in an effort to punish Massachusetts colonists, passed the Coercive Acts (aka as the Intolerable Acts by the colonists). These acts were not just “coercive”. They were also divisive. While some Salem colonists supported them, others not so much. So, things were somewhat contentious. Sounds familiar.
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of this historic decision, the National Park Service at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and a variety of historical actors held a 2 day event to educate and entertain guests.
The day started with a mass at St Peter’s Episcopal Church on St Peter’s St. Since this was 1774, the mass and messages were slightly different from things you might hear today at a religious ceremony.
The pastor railed against “speaking out against the government” and for loyalty to the crown.
From exclaiming “Huzzah” when the Governor was announced to dressing to the nines, the congregation was eager to show their respect to the crown. Respect for the crown was the common theme of the sermon and mass. In fact, when the donation plate was brought to each person the collector said the money would go to the government. Not to those in need but rather the government.
People at the ceremony were dressed in their Sunday Bests.
General Thomas Gage (on the right in the photo below) and a fellow officer sat in a pew specially designated for him.
Tributes to the king and the crown could be found inside the church.
After the mass, the event continued onto the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby St. This particular flag included symbols for Scotland who were part of the British empire.
At the encampment, actors displayed what life was like in Salem, MA, during 1744. From knitting their own uniforms to cook and starting fires, life was certainly much different 250 years ago.
The British Encampment event was family friendly. In fact, they even had some rifles (wooden toy rifles) for people of all ages to enjoy.
And, some real rifles used by the historical actors.
There were also historical experts who showed off some of the foods, fashion and medicine that were common for that time.
The food in these photos were common for most meals during 1774.
And, after eating all that food. Tea was a common beverage.
Fashion was another big part of Salem in 1774. This hat was considered not only very fashionable but very expensive for its time.
Knitting was a big part of life in Salem in 1774.
Musicians kept the guests entertained with music from that era.
I don’t want to give it all away. But, the Coercive Acts didn’t go over very well and something happened a year later. But, that’s a topic for another day!
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!
Summary: The family friendly Irish Festival at Patriot Place included Irish step dancers, musical acts, face painting and many people dressed in their best Irish themed attire!
Everyone was Irish at the Irish Festival at Patriot Place!
Music, dancing and colorful costumes were in abundance last weekend at the 13th annual Irish Festival at Patriot Place in Foxborough, MA.
The festival included Irish musical acts such as Fenian Sons. I especially like how the musician in the background made sure he got in the photo!
But, the highlight of the Irish Festival for most of visitors were the Irish Step Dancers. The festival featured dancers the Sullivan-Stewart School of Irish Dance, Greene-O’Leary School of Irish Dance, Keane O’Brien Academy of Irish Dance and Harney Academy of Irish Dance.
The lighting at the event was challenging. But, at least at the beginning of the event, the lighting gave some great color and highlights to the dancers. I especially like how the rays of sun hit off the dancer’s hair.
The pure joy and concentration the dancers expressed was great to see and photograph.
The acrobatics, twirls and other dance moves were very impressive.
The dancers gave the event quite a kick. The Rockettes have nothing on them!
In between the dancing schools performances, some of the visitors took to the dance floor.
There were also special guests at the event such as Blades, the official mascot of the Boston Bruins.
And Nauset, named after the popular beach in Orleans, MA, also made an appearance.
Perhaps the most fun part of the event to photograph were the visitors. Some of the visitors dressed up for the event. While others decided to wear fancy headwear and get their faces painted!
Although I didn’t partake, there were many restaurants and bars to rest and fuel up at during the event. However, I don’t know if corned beef was on their menus.
Summary: A diverse group of skaters took to the pink rink at 401 Park to celebrate The Barbie movie!
Barbie on ice. Those are three words I thought I’d never type. But, that is exactly what took place in February at the 401 Park “Pink Rink” in Boston, MA.
The inclusive skating event at the Skate Kenway (aka Skate Fenway) featured some of the characters from the Barbie movie and pink. A lot of pink.
The inclusive group of skaters included some of the cast from the movie including Barbie who came out of her box and had to loosen up a bit.
There were some pretty aerobatic performers.
There were also some impressive feats of strength!
One of the things that stood out were there colorful costumes that seemed to make the skaters seem faster and certainly more flamboyant.
The family friendly event was a great way to celebrate the winter season at 401 Rink. And, when I’m sure the sequel will be made, hopefully there will be another Barbie skating event there to photograph!
Below is a video of all the participants skating in the final act of the show!
Hours: The murals are available to view throughout the day
Parking: There is metered street parking available in the city. There are also two municipal parking lots in the city (see link below for more information)
There always seems to be new works of art popping up throughout the various cities and towns all over New England. These works of art often have a special meaning or purpose behind them. The Beyond Walls mural project has been a big contributor to both exhibiting art and spreading their messages of heritage, pride and other important messages.
The Beyond Walls project features murals in several cities such as Massachusetts including Lynn, Haverhill, Lowell, Chicopee and the murals displayed in this post in Holyoke.
These murals are part of the El Corazon – The Heart of Holyoke from 2022 which I photographed and posted on my blog. But, the artists keep adding to the mural project or changing the murals over time. These murals were not made until after the initial murals were created. Some of the murals have a special meaning or message about the community or people from the community. Others are the free expression of art by the artist.
All of the locations for these murals are in Holyoke. I tried to list them in the order they can best be seen in case you want to make a trip to see them for yourself!
Holyoke Community College
303 Homestead Ave
While most of the murals are located near each other in the downtown Holyoke or South Holyoke area, this mural was located further away in the main campus at Holyoke Community College. Betsy Cananas was surprised and impressed with the diversity of the student population of Holyoke Community College, particularly the Latinx, particularly the Puerto Rican, population of the students. In this vein, she decided to create a mural depicting a bomba classroom. Betsy payed homage to the cultural roots of the audience as well as creating a visual narrative that resonates deeply with their experiences. There is more info about the mural and artist at the following link
Holyoke Health Center
230 Maple St
This mural is a mixture of many people and things that depict Holyoke. From the gorilla arms meant to show the strength of the community to the coquí, to old San Juan, to coconuts, jíbaro (farmer), salsa, plena, congas, food and tropical flowers there are many tributes to Holyoke and it’s people of Puerto Rican descent. The mural also gives a nod to the world famous Puerto Rican singer Hector LaVoe and, perhaps surprisingly, the Irish population of the area. To the right of the mural there is a portrait of John F Kennedy with the colors of the flag of Ireland. It really shouldn’t be a surprise, though. For over 70 years, they have held one of the most popular Irish Pride parades and Grand Colleen events in Massachusetts.
You can find out more about the mural and artist here.
284 Maple Street North Wall
No, this isn’t a mural of Abraham Lincoln, although the similarity may be uncanny. German artist, Case Maclaim painted this mural in honor of a former Pioneer Valley resident and well known abolitionist John Brown.
This mural by Alexis Diaz is a tribute to Boricuas and Latinos outside their homeland. Boricuas is a spirit, flavor, and rhythm that you’ll feel in every part of Puerto Rico. It is meant to honor all of those who left their homeland of Puerto Rico to seek a better future. According to the 2010 census, Holyoke, Massachusetts had the largest Puerto Rican population per capita of any city in the United States outside of Puerto Rico. So, Puerto Rico plays a central role in much of the art in of the city. There is more information about this mural and artist here.
100 Appleton St
The Amazing Ske painted this mural to emphasize the importance of preserving the marine environment and the harmony generated among the different beings that inhabit it. The sharks, depicted with armor ,are portrayed as protectors of the ocean and their ability to maintain balance within it is reflected in the mural. The mural also reflects the message that all species are important and the need to work together to preserve the environment. Click here to find out more about the artist and mural.
South Shore YMCA
171 Pine St
Repoe9 created this work of art to display the spirit of hope and resilience. The colors of the hands, reaching for the sky, are meant to express the hope of optimism and an uplifting energy. There is more information about the mural and artist here.
Lawler Insurance Agency
1 Main St
There was no information available for this mural.
Battleship Block
648 S. Summer St
and
660 S. Bridge St
Built in 1910, this housing complex and compound was built by German immigrant workers and sold to French-Canadian developers. The housing development was largely comprised of Yiddish-speaking Russians, Greeks, German-speaking Poles, and Germans, as well as native-born and French Canadian residents. Nearly all of the occupants were employees of paper, woolen, or thread mills. These murals were created by BKFoxx and CP1. Follow the link for more information and photos of the mural here.
University Products
517 Main St
While originally disappointed to have to take a photo of this mural behind a fence, I later thought the chain link fence gave the mural an added artistic value and perhaps even an unintended social commentary.
Created by GoFive and TakeOne, this mural, “Yo Soy…” or “I am…” is a mesage meant to extend out into this community, and all who see it, is a form of self affirmation. Yo Soy! I am anything and everything. The following poem was posted on the website for the mural:
I am a powerful force.
I am light.
I am beauty, undefined.
I am capable.
I am resilient.
I am, You are, We are
ENOUGH!
You can find out more about the mural and artist here.
Baustein Building
523 Main St
This vibrant tapestry of this mural by the artist Golden celebrates the rich history and enduring legacy of the American Thread Company which was a central part of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Each part of the mural represents artistic expression and the spirit that flourished within those walls. You can find out more about the mural, the artist and the the history of this building here.
Yellow Brick Management
346 Race St
This mural created on the the former Boy’s Club of Holyoke by Gleo and aptly titled “Child Flower” is meant to celebrate the youthful energy of the building’s history. Click here to find out more about the mural and the artist.
Battleship Block
648 S. Summer St – East Wall
This mural “The Master of Masks” by Don Raúl Ayala Carrasquillo, Loizeño, who learned his craft from his father Don Castor Ayala, is meant to show the very same masks he learned to make from his dad. Don Raul added more color and additional horns to his masks and has passed down this art to his own children to preserve the tradition.
These murals are only a few of the works of art in the Beyond Walls mural project. Many of these murals either had been painted over older ones or were new additions to the El Corazon/The Heart Of Holyoke Mural Project that I posted about in 2022. If you do want to see these murals, and I highly suggest you do, do try to get there before they may be painted over again in the future!
Home can mean different things to different people, especially to people who may have immigrated to this country. The A Dream Called Home mural exhibit in Salem’s The Point district gives a voice to those who are striving to have a stable home. The murals were inspired by the award winning memoir by Mexican-American Reyna Grande. Reyna’s book is about daring to dream about having a stable home. The Punto Art Museum, who sponsored these 20 murals, provides a platform for creative individuals to share stories that reflect the culture of its residents.
It’s interesting to see what each artist drew to symbolize their dream home or what would make for a happy home life. From Teenage Migrant Dominicans to people cooking and picking fruits and vegetables, there are many different ways of expressing your home or path to a happy home.
I took these photos while I waited for the Salem Merry Time Festival to begin. It was a good precursor to the maritime event.
I took these photos with my Canon 5D Mark IV camera with 50 mm lens. I’ve been trying to use prime lenses more often when I take photos of murals, art and other things that don’t move. Generally, prime lenses produce sharper images than zoom lenses because they don’t have extra glass or mechanics inside that moves in order to zoom. This results in better quality photographs due to less diffraction, which increases with higher number of lens elements inside a lens as in the case of zoom lenses. Plus they can be more fun to use and more lightweight. But, the highest quality photo is always paramount. And that is what prime lenses can help deliver.
Some of the murals may have the names of the artists on the mural. However, I could not find more information about these murals.
The murals on this street do change periodically. So, I’m confident there will be new murals with a new theme later this year.
New England Nomad 