Tag Archives: photos

December 16, 2024

Holiday Kingdom (Downtown Crossing, Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 6, 2024

Location: Downtown Crossing, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking garages in the area

Hours: They are visible 24 hours a day until Jan. 2

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: Twelve 16 foot nutcrackers with animal characteristics have been

Website: Holiday Kingdom

The nutcrackers have taken over Boston!

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.

21 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Animal Kingdom, animals, Boston, Christmas, Holiday Kingdom, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, statues, travel

December 8, 2024

First Harbor Company Christmas Tree

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 7, 2024

Location: 3 Beacon St, Marblehead, MA

Cost: Free

Parking: There are a limited amount of parking spaces (about 5 total spots)

Universally Accessible: Yes

Summary: Each year at Christmas time, the First Harbor Company anchors a lit up Christmas tree in Marblehead Harbor.

For some people Christmas season begins right after they finish their last serving of sweet potatoes. I know…yuck!

But for me, Christmas time starts when the First Harbor Company drops anchor on their Christmas tree dinghy in Marblehead Bay. The First Harbor Company makes a variety of hand made products such as wreaths, leashes and buoys. They also sell other products such as books and prints. The dinghy is owned by Tom and Samantha Peach. They decorate the tree and launch it from the launching area at the Little Harbor Company.

I planned my arrival early in the morning before the sunrise to get photos that would accentuate the lights on the tree. I loved how peaceful the water seemed.

I used the other boats and buoys in the harbor to give perspective and frame the photo.

As the sun began to rise, the colors made the landscape so pretty. The pink, black and blue colors in the clouds gave both a warming and ominous feeling.

During my previous visits, the lights on the tree usually went out shortly after the sun rise. But, during this visit the lights stayed on well past sunrise. Although, they do not stay on for most of the day light hours.

If you do plan on seeing the tree in all its splendor, keep in mind parking is limited and because there are trailers and boats sometimes parked near the parking area, it can be hard to find parking there. I parked on the side of the access road at the entrance to avoid being stuck in the narrow parking spots.

14 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Christmas, Marblehead, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos

November 23, 2024

Phantoms By Firelight (Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 26, 2024

Location: Old Sturbridge Village, 29 Stallion Hill Road, Sturbridge, MA (1 hour southwest of Boston, MA)

Cost: Prices tanged from $14 to $45 depending on your age and when you bought them. More information can be found at the link below

Ticket prices

Universally Accessible: Yes

Parking: Free parking is included in the ticket price

Website: Phantoms By Firelight

Summary: Performers entertained visitors with gravity defying acts, fire breathing and other jaw dropping tricks!

Fiery frights awaited all at this year’s Phantoms By Firelight event at Old Sturbridge Village.

An array of performers, dare devils and acrobats entertained countless visitors last month at Old Sturbridge Village.

Perhaps this event should have been titled, “don’t try this at home.”

The family friendly event included card tricks by Magnus The Magnificent.

There were also games like this World Scramble game. Can you guess the phrase hidden in this world scramble?

After all the fun and games, it was off to the Village Common to watch Alexander the Upside Down Man.

The feats of strength by Andrew were very impressive!

Whew! I got sore and tired just watching Alexander!

Next on the list of things I’ll never be able to do was the rope climbing extraordinaire Philomena.

But, before the show got started, the ring master got the crowd pumped up for the event!

After all that climbing, Philomena took a well deserved rest!

After the show, I was able to take a photo of the star of the show!

As the evening wore on and darkness fell upon the village, The performers kept everyone warm and entertained! Ignatius and Anastasia, aka the Masters Of The Flame, kept everyone enthralled with their fiery tricks! I liked the contrast of the agility and graceful of Philomena and the pure rock and roll daredevil action of Ignatius and Anastasia!

After that breath taking display, it was on to the Cyrkus Vampyr Finale Ultimo. As the name would seem to suggest, this was the finale of the evening.

This performance included some awesome acrobatics and more fun with fire!

There were also additional shows at the event. In the spirit of the Halloween season, there were some macabre events like this re-enactment and info session about wakes. This event was both respectful and informative.

There was a lot of differences from wakes during the early 1800s. For instance, during the early 1800s, which is the time frame Old Sturbridge Village is based, people didn’t take visitors for wakes. People’s wakes were very different. People mourned and reflected on their own. A casket with a mannequin represented how the people would mourn.

The lighting and decor added to the atmosphere of the event.

The performers at the event were not the only people who dressed up! Some of the visitors also wore costumes or other decorative items.

In addition to all of the performances, there was a Clues & Candy game where they had to collect stamps to complete a picture. The lucky ones who completed the tasks were rewarded with a treat pick up! There were also demonstrations of casket making, musicians and spooking story telling!

Despite all of the fire and death defying acrobats (or maybe because of it), the Phantoms By Firelight event was a big hit with both old young!

Please see below for videos from the event!

19 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in acribatic, fire, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, Old Sturbridge Village, photographs, photography, photos, Sturbridge, Uncategorized

November 15, 2024

6th Annual Farm Parade (Southwick, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date of Event: October 19, 2024

Location: College Highway, Southwick, MA (2 hours southwest of Boston, MA, 30 minutes northwest of Hartford, CT)

Cost: Free

Parking: Free parking was available at some of the local establishments including the shopping center on College Highway

Universally Accessible: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Summary: Horses, cows, dogs, chickens and even a few people marched in the 6th annual animal parade to raise funds for the Polverari-Southwick Animal Shelter.

Parades usually feature people as the main participants. However, the Farm Parade in Southwick, MA, is a little different. Animals were the main attraction at this parade. Officials projected that 75 to 100 animals of all kinds were expected at the parade.

The parade was free for all who came to watch. But, there was a $20 fee to enter the parade. The proceeds went to help the Polverari-Southwick Animal Shelter.

The Powder Mill School marching band provided the musical entertainment for the event.

Another big attraction of the parade were the tractors, cars and other modes of transportation in the parade.

Since the parade was just before Halloween, there were lots of people dressed up and some of the vehicles were also decorated for the season!

But, out of all of the vehicles in the parade, the ones posted below are my favorites.

What fun it must have been to ride around in your own mini tractor or vehicle.

The people who went to the parade weren’t left out of the fun! As you may have noticed in the photo above, some of the people on the vehicles threw candy and beads to the onlookers!

Although it wasn’t required, some of the visitors dressed up for the event!

The farm parade has been growing in size over the years and I look forward to seeing what the following years have in store!

14 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in animals, Massachusetts, New England, parade, photographs, photography, photos, travel

October 29, 2024

2024 Zombie Walk (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 5, 2024 (held annually the first Saturday of October)

Location: Salem Commons, Salem MA (about half an hour northeast of Boston, MA)

Website: 2024 Salem Zombie Walk

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!

12 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in horror, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, travel, Uncategorized, zombie walk

September 20, 2024

6th Annual Salem Vintage Lawn Party (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: September 14, 2024

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!

17 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in cars, dancers, dancing, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, Salem, Uncategorized, vintage, vintage lawn party

September 10, 2024

Great Elephant Migration (Newport, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: July through August, 2024

Location: Cliff Walk, Newport, RI

Cost: Free

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. 

28 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in great elephant migration, New England, Newport, photography, photos, Rhode Island

July 8, 2024

2024 Donna Summer Disco Party (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: June 27, 2024

Location: Boston City Hall, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

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!

Please see below for videos from the event!

8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Boston, dancing, disco, donna summer, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, roller skating

June 30, 2024

British Encampment (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: June 15 & 16, 2024

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!

10 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in British Encampment, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem

April 7, 2024

Winteractive (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date of Event Currently on display (Jan 17 – Apr 15)

Location: Downtown Boston (MA)

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking garages in the downtown Boston area.

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Winteractive

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.

Myth And Evidence

Washing St and Court St

Mathieu Valade

Urethane animal shape, faux fur, metal, polycarbonate, plywood, wood

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!

18 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in art, Boston, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, sculptures, Uncategorized, Winteractive