Upcoming Exhibits

Recent Press

Persistence: A Community Responds to Pervasive Plastic

An introduction to a collaborative public art project led by artist-in-residence Michelle Lougee and public art curator Cecily Miller. Persistence is part of the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture's ongoing Pathways Public Art Program. Through Michelle's residency, over 100 people of all ages contributed to a project that transformed thousands of single use plastic bags into art for the Minuteman Bikeway. Fabricated using basic crochet techniques, the sculpture is inspired by organic forms, including single cell organisms found naturally in water.

The project message is that single use plastic persists in our environment for more than 100 years, breaking down into microplastics that enter the food chain and, ultimately, our own bodies. Persistence will be required to reduce plastic waste, but this is essential to preserve human and environmental health. Persistence was also required for the project volunteers, who continued to participate during the COVID-19 pandemic despite many challenges. The vibrant display of large scale sculpture, installed in trees along the Bikeway near Spy Pond, demonstrates the amazing things we can accomplish working together.

Trash to Treasure: Michelle Lougee An interview with Natalie Bennett.