The Beacon

HARBORWALK ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE: THE MYTH MAKERS, DONNA DODSON & ANDY MOERLEIN

Beacon, a 20’ tall bamboo sculpture by The Myth Makers, Donna Dodson & Andy Moerlein is a monumental public art project that is inspired by the Osprey as a tribute to Rachel Carson and her ecological restoration efforts in Boston and beyond. The Myth Makers' artwork will initiate the first project of the new Harborwalk Artist in Residence (AIR) program. The Myth Makers highlight the Osprey as a survivor and adapter in our rapidly evolving human landscape. Devastated by DDT poisoning, these skilled fish hawks are recovering from the brink of extinction, and are an inspiring example of the role humans can play in restoring balance when we engage the living world around us. The Harborwalk is a great vantage point to study these rugged birds in the Boston Harbor. The sculpture is installed at Head Island, also known as the Sugar Bowl, at the far end of the causeway around Pleasure Bay.

The artists led a processional celebration to install the sculpture on Sunday July 1st from 9:30AM - 11:30AM. This exciting parade was open to all ages. There was a brief dedication: the Myth Makers discussed the legacy of Rachel Carson and citizen scientists worldwide who have contributed to science through personal observations and documentation. The sculpture will be on view at this location until Friday Sept 7th. Then the Beacon will migrate to the Charlestown Navy Yard where it will be on view until Friday November 16th. The artists will host an Open Studios workshop on Saturday August 4th from 2p-4:30p at Head Island.

For more information: http://www.bostonharbornow.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/recreation-press-release.pdf. Update: Amelia Mason from WBUR The Artery featured this story on June 28, 2018, 5 Things To Do This Weekend, From A City Dance Party To A Giant Bamboo Bird. Maureen Dahill from Channel 10 Boston featured this story on June 29, 2018, Weekend Picks in Southie.