As part of our commitment to fostering a more vibrant city through bold public art, we strive to build culturally responsive relationships through our partnerships and participatory programs. This year at Lot Lab is no different; we are connecting with the community of Charlestown and beyond through dynamic programming of performance, spoken word, theater, workshops, and much more.
Fresh off the incredible feat of bringing Simone Leigh’s spectacular artworks from Boston to Venice and then to Boston, Kate Herlihy brings to Now + There balanced respect for artists’ vision with planning rigor. blu prinston, N+T Communications Assistant, chatted with Kate about how early access to arts education, mentorship, and teamwork make her ready to “pay it forward” as N+T’s Managing Director.
As a veteran of two Chicago Architectural Biennales, Marguerite Wynter brings FOMO-inducing stories of events we all missed out on—did we hear joy riding through the South Side?—and a deep commitment to engaging community in the co-creation of public art. Learn more about Marguerite and drop her a line to welcome her to a new event, space, or idea!
Now that we’re getting ready to launch Lot Lab in the Charlestown Navy Yard on June 7, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my Now + There journey, which began with me becoming a Public Art Ambassador two summers ago. If you’re considering becoming a Public Art Ambassador for Lot Lab, I hope my reflections about my time as a PAA can help to guide you!
Talking to artists and community members--listening and learning from them--brings life to all our projects. This year of Mending looks at stories of innovation, global connection, individual perseverance, and tenacity, weaving together the impossible and offering opportunities to amplify what is most delicate (collective joy), transient (dreams), or everlasting (love) in our interconnected world.
What has been most surprising to me is the positive impact our collective work has had on Silvia’s career. Thanks in part to the visibility of Patterned Behavior, Silvia has been commissioned to create eight original murals since completing work on the Esplanade in September 2017, most recently at Northeastern University and at The Barr Foundation.
The Commonwealth Ave Mall was among Boston’s first planned public spaces. But when construction on the Mall began in 1856, it signaled the very beginning of an urban planning renaissance in the city that lasted through the Gilded Age (1870's - 1900). Now it’s the site of Liz Glynn: Open House, enriching it’s already potent message about access to public space.
Here’s to our volunteers! As the volunteer coordinator for Patterned Behavior, I met over thirty hardworking and passionate people whose help was vital in making our project a reality. They painted, primed, greeted, and directed traffic for over two weeks, and everyone who came out brought their own unique perspective and enthusiasm to the site.
The mural itself is a joyful representation of Boston, illustrating our city’s most vibrant self. And, as Silvia says, “it is unapologetically colorful”. Which is one of our favorite things about it (and her). In fact, N+T director Kate Gilbert chose Silvia for this project first and foremost because of her masterful use of color, pattern, depth, and movement.
It is proclaimed: Ann Lewis’ mural, See Her, is complete! Last week we were honored to have Mayor Marty Walsh and the City of Boston proclaim July 18 “See Her Day” in recognition of the project; the women who worked to make it a reality; and the vision of Ann and N+T to bring this piece to the city.
