The Beacon Hill area is one of Boston’s most beautiful and intriguing neighborhoods. And on only one day each year is the public invited to visit the gardens, alleyways and courtyards that dot the neighborhood. To make these naturally beautiful areas even more enticing, Beacon Hill residents invite visual artists to display their artwork in these remarkable and unexpected locations.
This very special day is called the Beacon Hill Art Walk and this year it will be held, rain or shine, from noon until 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 2.
“The Beacon Hill Art Walk has great atmosphere, great energy, and a great location,” said Teri MacMillan, one of the participating artists. “It is really our favorite show of the year, both to participate and to shop.”
All of the work at the Beacon Hill Art Walk is uniquely one of a kind and ranges from an astounding array of two-dimensional work, including painting, photography and mixed media to sculpture and ceramics.
Beyond visual art, music also plays an important part in the Art Walk. Visitors’ walks are set to a musical sound track provided by dozens of talented musicians, including string quarters, folk and fiddle groups and Native American Flutes, who all donate their time.
Until you experience the Beacon Hill Art Walk for yourself, it is hard to grasp just how magical the experience is.
Connie Bacon, another artist who has participated for many years, said, “I love many things about the Art Walk. Being able to show my work outside on a beautiful day, tucked into the Beacon Hill gardens, is always a treat. Meeting neighbors, friends, and people visiting from around the world is fun. I especially love listening to what the kids say about my work. They are so honest, and you don’t usually see them in other art venues.”
Maps (both a sunny day and rainy day version are prepared) will be available at two locations — one table will be located between 135 and 137 Charles St., another at the corner of Cambridge and West Cedar streets. Walkers will follow a self-directed route up and down Revere and Phillips streets and the walkways that extend from those streets.
The Beacon Hill Art Walk is free and open to the public. While most of the artist locations are handicapped and stroller accessible, the route does go up and down the North Slope of Beacon Hill, which is fairly steep.
There are a limited number of metered parking spaces along Charles Street and Cambridge Streets. The closest public parking garage is the Boston Common Garage.
For complete information on participating artists, directions to the site, and event map, visit www.beaconhillartwalk.org