Watertown is going to be a quiet, quite warm place on Memorial Day weekend as people are headed to greener/hillier/sandier pastures. Of course, it is a time to remember those who have given their lives, so you can pop into the Poppy Social at the Commander’s mansion on Friday in their remembrance. If looking for some air conditioning, pay a visit to see some of the art in town.
There is the town sculpture garden in the open air, and a number of local galleries with current exhibits. There is also art to be made in a painting workshop. If you start your weekend celebration on Thursday, there will be the town memorial parade, and an Armenian dinner being served at the Armenian Center for Culture and Education in their beautiful outdoor courtyard. I held my retirement party there, and it’s a great space to eat and drin, and eat and drink some more on a breezy summer evening in May.
POPPY SOCIAL at the Commander’s Mansion
Friday, May 24 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
440 Talcott Ave.
Come to honor our veterans at this poppy social. Refreshments will be provided by Watertown Veteran’s Services. There will be a poppy give-away while supplies last. The botanical garden, where flowers and plants consistently bloom throughout the seasons and serves as a habitat for butterflies and bees, features an honorarium wall of bricks to pay tribute to the stories of our Veterans, many with ties to the Watertown community. There will be an unveiling of new memorial bricks in the Freedom Garden, including a guided tour of the mansion at 11 a.m. All are welcome.
For more information Click here
There is always lots of art to check out in town. While enjoying your long weekend off as a mini
stay-cation, take a look at these great galleries:
LOOKING TOGETHER: Kenji Nakayam and Damion Silver in Alter State at Drive-By Projects Art Gallery
81 Spring St.
Located at 81 Spring St. in Watertown, Drive-By is a small, innovative space committed to exhibiting provocative art in its storefront windows and small gallery. Together and individually, the artists are spotlighted in “Alter State” at Drive-By Projects through May 25. Damion juggles printmaking, assemblage, and sculpture – and he’s a design director at Converse. Kenji’s a painter with a practice grounded in traditional sign painting. They each bring commercial design sensibilities to the studio. Drive-by is open Thursdays from 12-4 p.m. and always by appointment – call or text 617-835-8255.
For more information: Click here
ART GALLERY EXHIBIT at the Watertown Free Public Library
The Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) hosts monthly exhibits on the 2nd floor of the library in the T. Ross Kelly Family Gallery. The current exhibit is “Menagerie” by artist Lisa Piel.
ENTWINED – VISUAL AND TEXTUAL NARRATIVES – Mosesian Center for the Arts
Now until June 21
Gallery Hours Thursdays 12 p.m.- 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
321 Arsenal St.
The Mosesian Center for the Arts is excited to present an exhibition that finds inspiration in literature, the written word, folk tales, and stories of all kinds from fairy tales to narratives that are autobiographical or speak of the human condition. Visual arts have been inspired by the written word since antiquity. There are strong connections between literature and visual arts. Words paint pictures and artists interpret and / or are influenced by stories. The influence goes both ways, as stories are influenced by images as well. Poetry, novels, and song lyrics are often enhanced by images. Children’s books are made more vivid when accompanied by pictures. Album covers and music videos come to life when combined with visuals.
PAINTING WORKSHOP: WITH THE IAB (Iranian Association of Boston)
Sunday, May 26, 2 – 5 p.m.
17 Nichols Ave.
Please join IAB for a painting workshop with Safarani Sisters. Registration is required for this event due to limited capacity. The Iranian Association of Boston (IAB) is dedicated to promoting the cultural and social understanding of Iran.
$30 for members, $35 for non-members
For more information and registration: Click here
CAFÉ ANOUSH’ELLA DINNER in the outdoor courtyard at the Armenian Cultural and Education Center
Thursday, May 23, 5:30 – 9 p.m. (and every Thursday evening)
The menu is based on the traditional recipes found in every Armenian household. Many items begin with our delicious m’anoush (man. o͞o.sh) flatbread, prepared to order on a traditional convex griddled called Saj which cooks the bread in just under two minutes. The m’anoush is then hand-rolled around fresh, authentic ingredients or scattered with savory or sweet toppings. At anoush’ella we are proud to serve time honored dishes with the freshest ingredients and a comfortable, yet contemporary dining experience. Most importantly, every order is prepared and served with love. Bring your own beer and wine. (Note that If it’s raining that evening’s meal will be canceled.)
Call 617-512-4819 for reservations, though not required.