
Ja’Hari Ortega’s interactive installation ‘Big Hoops to Fill,’ is on view on the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

A rendering of the installation “Going to Ground,” by LaRissa Rogers, which is currently on view on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. In partnership with Greenway Business Improvement District (Greenway BID), the Rose Kennedy Greenway has further developed the Greenway ARTbeat, a season-long series of five public art installations, 50 programs and family-friendly activities in the urban outdoor space.
“The Greenway ARTbeat series is a prime example of our mission to create a welcoming and dynamic public space for all,” said Chris Cook, executive director of the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. “We invite everyone to come experience the creativity and connection that make The Greenway such a special place.”
The five public art installations related to the project include “Big Hoops to Fill” by Ja’Hari Ortega, an interactive swing set made of bamboo hoop earrings; “Far Away, From Home” by Zhidong Zhang, a sculpture composed of illuminated images reflecting on culture, diaspora and queerness; “SONG/LAND/SEA: WAI Water Warning & Binakol Blessing” by Lani Asunción, two large cement and steel sculptures exploring the impact of climate change on Boston’s coastline and related
environmental racism; “Going to Ground” by LaRissa Rogers, an
interactive house-shaped sculpture paying homage to Zipporah Potter
Atkins, the first known Black woman to own a home in Boston; and “your
sprit whispering in my ear” by Jeffrey Gibson, a colorful, large-scale
mural using Indigenous and contemporary symbols in Dewey Square.
Visitors can view all five installations while strolling the length of the 1.5-mile parkway.
This
year the ARTbeat programming has expanded significantly to include live
music performances, regular food trucks, pet therapy sessions, multiple
beer gardens and kid-focused events like a truck and tractor day when
families can interact with different vehicles.
A
pop-up series of events called “Celebrating What Unites Us” has been
highlighting different cultural communities including Ghana, Ireland and
Italy. Visitors can also take tango lessons, meditate in the Armenian
Heritage Park and attend children’s story time.
The
Greenway fountains, though always a fixture of the park, have been
especially enjoyed during the recent heat wave. At the North and South
Canal Fountains, Rings Fountain and the Chinatown Stream, big and little
kids alike can cool off in the refreshing water.
“As
a city, Boston thrives when our public spaces are alive with
creativity, beauty and connection,” said Steve Faber, Greenway BID board
chair. “By bringing people together for art, music, food and
family-friendly activities throughout the week, through support of the
Conservancy from BID members, we’re collectively making downtown Boston a
place everyone wants to be.”
ON THE WEB
Learn more about the Greenway at rosekennedygreenway.org/visit