Eight new sculptures were installed along the Salem Harbor Connector Path for the 2nd Annual Salem Harbor Connector Path Sculpture Garden. This project is the brainchild of Julie Barry, Salem’s Senior Planner for Arts & Culture in the Department of Planning and Community Development, in partnership with independent sculpture curator Judith Klien. It is made possible by the Salem Public Art Commission and Mayor Kimberley Driscoll.
Funded in part through a MassTrails grant, the Harbor Connector Path itself extends Salem’s multiuse trail network from the Peter Tracy Walkway at Collins Cove to the Bentley School and Derby Street. The first sculpture garden along the path opened December 1, 2020, as part of a celebration for the path’s completion the previous summer. It was the first long-term public display of contemporary sculptures in the city in recent history. The eight new sculptures will replace the seven currently on display. There is no charge to enjoy the sculpture garden and path.
“Seeing the success of last year’s sculpture garden and how much the community truly loved and appreciated the installation, we just had to keep it going and are incredibly excited to continue the project with these eight new sculptures,” said Julie Barry. “Our goal is to meet people where they are with art and provide a sense of joy, whimsy, and discovery for the residents of Salem and visitors alike. We look forward to what these new sculptures will bring to our community and hope to continue this tradition for many years to come.”
“This exciting project is a continuation of our work to advance the vision of Salem’s Public Art Master Plan,” said Mayor Driscoll. “I want to thank the Public Art Commission and City staff for their efforts to make this new sculpture garden a reality. The Harbor Connector Path Sculpture Garden continues to serve as an uplifting and engaging focal point in our community’s growing trail network and our collection of thoughtful, enriching public art.”
The new sculptures will be on view now through November 30, 2022. An opening event and Artists Meet & Greet will held on Friday, December 10, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at David J. Beattie Park, 4 Webb Street in Salem.
Artists with work on display in the new Sculpture Garden are Eve Lee Schauer, Nancy Schon, Melanie Zibit, Madeleine Lord, Will Smith Cabrera, Karin Stanley, Cassie Doyon (a Salem State University alum), and Robert Osborne. Information about these artists and their work is available at www.salem.com/public-art-commission or by using a smartphone to scan the QR codes on the signs that accompanying the works along the path.
In addition to these eight new sculptures on temporary loan, the City is currently looking to purchase the much beloved piece from the first Sculpture Garden entitled ‘Seahorse’, by artist Jose Criollo, to become part of the City’s permanent public art collection. This piece, which was previously featured on the cover of Salem Magazine, is comprised of recycled metals from chairs, tools, auto parts, pots, pans, and more. Those interested can support the purchase of this sculpture by visiting Patronicity.com/SeahorseForSalem and donating. The City has already secured $6,000 of the $12,500 needed to ensure this delightful work of art can stay right in here Salem.
The City would also like to give a special thanks to the crew from the Department of Public Services and the Salem Harbormaster’s office, who supported this installation and whose hard work made these installations possible.
Image: “Mama Tingo” by sculptor Will Smith Cabrera is one of the new sculptures now on view along Salem’s Harbor Connector Path. Photo by John Andrews of Creative Collective.
Creative Collective’s 2021 #StayLocal Campaign
Initiative encourages community to shop small and support local small businesses this November and December
The approaching Holiday season is putting people in the shopping, eating, and drinking mood as small businesses across the North Shore are gearing up for the busiest time of the year. Following up the successful 2020 #StayLocal campaign, Creative Collective is launching #StayLocal2021, encouraging individuals to shop and support small this upcoming holiday season. Learn more.
