Volunteers add flower-filled planters at restaurants throughout Newton as outdoor dining returns
By Angela Yang Boston University journalist,Updated April 22, 2021, 12:03 p.m.
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A volunteer places flowers in a planter in Newton Centre April 7.ANGELA YANG
Residents who stroll through Newton this summer will be greeted by vibrant-hued pansies poking out from pots adorning outdoor dining spaces, planted by volunteers in hopes of driving business to local restaurants.
In usual years, the city would hire landscapers during the summers to plant flowers in village centers and on traffic islands. But when pandemic-induced budget cuts halted the beautification program in 2020, City Councilor Alicia Bowman immediately began brainstorming.
Newton Community Pride announces WindowART to fill vacant windows
COURTESY OF NEWTON COMMUNITY PRIDE
Newton Community Pride announced WindowART, NCP’s third public art initiative to bring art to Newton’s commercial districts to assist property owners and create opportunity for the public to experience art where they least expect it.
Juried professional art works in the form of 3-foot-by-four-foot vinyl banners are available to property owners to fill their vacant storefront windows. This public art program repurposes the FenceART images of artwork by Newton artists.
Annually, a jury of professional artists selects works by Newton artists, through a public call for art in the FenceART program. The jury seeks works in a broad range of styles and media. Art work subjects range from landscapes, abstract, photography and it is these banners that will be repurposed for our WindowART initiative.
Public art opens doors to creativity in Newton
By Allison Pirog Boston University journalist,Updated February 25, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
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A door featured in The Umbrella Arts Centerâs âGo Out Doorsâ campaign.PHOTO BY RON MANN
Finding inspiration for Newton Community Prideâs latest public art initiative was as simple as riding a bike.
Organizers discovered painted, recycled doors in the grass and woods along bike trails in West Concord, Lexington and Arlington. The Umbrella Arts Center had installed the doors as part of their âGo Out Doorsâ campaign.
Newton Community Pride Board Chair Gloria Gavris said they decided to launch a similar project in Newton to bring art into the community and increase foot traffic in business areas.
West Suburban YMCA announces new board members
Community Content
The West Suburban YMCA has announced the appointment of three newly elected members to its board of directors: Annie Greene, Eric Boecher and Gloria Gavris.
“As a volunteer led charitable nonprofit, our Y relies on the time, treasure and talent of community members to set the strategic direction of our organization,” staid Jack Fucci, president and CEO. “We are honored to welcome Annie, Eric and Gloria to the board and I along with our entire staff team look forward to working with them to continue to serve our community.”
Greene, a Newton native, joins the board of directors after 10 years of involvement at the Y s residential camp, Camp Frank A. Day. Greene attended Frank A. Day as a camper and then spent four years as a counselor. In 2018, she spoke about her camp experience at the Y s A Night Under the Stars fundraising gala. She is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and is currently working as