The iconic Harvard Square Kiosk is overflowing with artwork, flowers, lights and love! The Harvard Square Kiosk has been a meeting place for visitors, residents and students since its installation. Originally built as the headhouse for the subway, it is best known as Out of Town News which operated out of the Kiosk from 1984 to 2019.
Last December, the Harvard Square Business Association was awarded stewardship of the Kiosk from the city of Cambridge while it awaits a much-deserved restoration slated to begin this spring. Since that time, the 500 square foot space has become home to a revolving collection of works by local artists.
In January, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Harvard Square Business Association displayed distinguished artist and musician Lennie Peterson’s mixed-media portrait of renowned African American jazz legend Nina Simone. In February, to celebrate Black History Month, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday and John Coltrane joined Peterson’s Simone. This installation remained in place through the month of February to coincide with the HSBA’s Black History Month events.
An exhibition of forty-eight photographs entitled “Daily Pandemic Portrait Series” from acclaimed Boston photographer, Mark Ostow, was added in February to compliment Peterson’s works inside the Kiosk. Ostow captures images of love, family and the simplicity and beauty of everyday life during this unprecedented time. And finally, to highlight the HSBA’s annual month-long celebration of love, aptly named Lovin’ the Square”, the HSBA featured a series of love notes received from around the world that remain on display on the outside of the Kiosk.
To welcome spring, the little structure has received a thorough spring cleaning and a floral motif exhibit. Denise Jillson, executive director, announced, “In addition to repairing the original Out of Town News neon lights, washing the windows and providing general maintenance both inside and out, we are delighted to showcase the work of two local artists.”
Nick Ghilardi who grew up in North Cambridge, stenciled the windows with colorful and vibrant spring flowers. Nick adorned the east-facing windows to frame the artwork of Sean Moore. Moore’s prints depict Winthrop Park from the same vantage point during the four seasons. Additionally, a floral display of fresh spring flowers provided by Brattle Square Florist including hydrangea, lilies and daffodils is showcased in the east-facing doorway.
Jillson said, “As the weather gets warmer, the days get longer and people get vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Square.” |
