It all started with a fish. A large, orange, metal fish to
be exact. You know you’ve arrived at the HarborArts outdoor gallery when you see
it.
The codfish sculpture sits atop a building at the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina in East Boston and it’s impossible to miss. The cod,
which is now endangered, represents HarborArts’ mission to use large scale art
to bring attention to the need to preserve and protect our waterways, and
especially our oceans.
Steve Israel is the man responsible for HarborArts. As the
founder and chairman, he uses art to raise public awareness for an issue he is
incredibly passionate about. Israel hopes to inspire both communities and
companies to take action and lead environmentally responsible lives. His desire
to protect our water resources coupled with a background in architectural
salvaging led Israel to create the gallery as well as the online marketplace,
which is currently under development, to connect artists and consumers with art
that promotes environmental respect.
The HarborArts gallery began with Israel’s creation of the
forty-foot codfish. He sculpted the fish and let it set sail in September of
2009. The fish was lit and powered by solar panels and made stops at the Boston
Children’s Museum and the New England Aquarium.
Israel wanted to inspire and educate people about
preservation of the waterways. What better way to do that than sail an
orange cod the size of a whale and made of metal through Boston Harbor. He
wanted people to take notice of the sculpture and start asking questions.
The codfish now sits atop a warehouse near the entrance of
the shipyard as a reminder of how easily the species could become extinct.
With more and more focus currently being put on ecological
preservation, HarborArts is a shining example of awareness being promoted in a
creative and compelling way. The international outdoor gallery features the
famous cod as well as contemporary exhibits from over thirty artists from three
different continents and still has spaces open for display.
While most of HarborArts’ installations are contemporary, the materials used to make the pieces vary from recycled materials to acrylic paint to vines and trash.
Artist Trace O’Connor created “Iscariot”, a sculpture made of recycled steel and pipes, which is positioned atop one of the shipyard’s warehouses. The stunning cross between a mermaid and a squid is among the larger exhibits at the gallery
Artist Trace O’Connor created “Iscariot”, a sculpture made of recycled steel and pipes, which is positioned atop one of the shipyard’s warehouses. The stunning cross between a mermaid and a squid is among the larger exhibits at the gallery
Entirely different yet equally as compelling, James Fuhrman
designed the exhibit “Sea Change – See Change”, a floating text display
reminding viewers that their actions have the potential to make a visible
difference. Even though each piece of art is crafted from different materials,
they all work together to enforce the message of environmental respect and
reverence.
The exhibits are spread out among the buildings and docks of
the marina. They hang on the sides of buildings, sit atop warehouses, and are
even anchored in the water itself. The installations are changed seasonally and
they are on loan from the artists for at least a year.
HarborArts doesn’t only have a presence at the marina, they have extended their operation online as well. The
HarborArts blog keeps fans of the gallery up to date on happenings
around the Harbor as well as information on new exhibits.
The blog also provides information about the HarborArts Festival, which was held this year on Saturday, September 22nd.
Since its inception in 2010, HarborArts has held a festival to celebrate the
gallery’s opening and to bring attention to its mission as well as the gallery
itself. The Festival (date to be determined for 2013) features live music,
local food, drinks, and of course, plenty of art.
Although HarborArts is worth the trip to the shipyard in
East Boston, it’s best explored when the weather is warm and you have plenty of
time to devote to each installation.
HarborArts is a non-profit organization and relies on the
donations and support of patrons. The gallery, located at 256 Marginal Street
in East Boston, is open from 3 p.m. to sunset on weekdays and from sunrise
until sunset on weekends.
While you're in the area, here are some places to visit on your way to HarborArts from the Blue Line Maverick T stop.
While you're in the area, here are some places to visit on your way to HarborArts from the Blue Line Maverick T stop.
View HarborArts in a larger map
No comments:
Post a Comment