Programs at the Park
Inspired by the design and key features of Armenian Heritage Park that tell the story of the immigrant experience, Programs at the Park are engaging people of all ages, cultures and ethnicities, all coming together on common ground. Many programs, offered in collaboration with civic, arts, educational and cultural organizations, are planned by the Friends of Armenian Heritage Park. Several are supported by an endowed fund; most depend on the generosity of gifts in kind.
ABSTRACT SCULPTURE: ANNUAL RECONFIGURATION
Supported by the Park’s Charles & Doreen Bilezikian Endowed Fund
Annual Reconfiguration of the Abstract Sculpture, a split rhomboid dodecahedron, is symbolic of the immigrant experience, of all who pulled away or were forced to pull away from their country of origin and came to these Massachusetts shores, establishing themselves in new and different ways, contributing to the richness of American life and culture.
In early Spring, a crane lifts and pulls apart the two halves of the split rhomboid dodecahedron made of steel and aluminum, to create a new sculptural shape.
“...public art, permanent and alive...”
– Joanna Weiss, The Boston Globe
The Sculpture is dedicated to lives lost during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 and all genocides that have followed.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
During April, the Greater Boston Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee offers the annual remembrance to “stand united against genocide not only the Armenian Genocide but all genocides that have occurred and are still taking place”.
WELCOME RECEPTION FOR NEW CITIZENS, FAMILIES & FRIENDS
following their Naturalization Ceremony at Faneuil Hall
Supported by the Anna & Noubar Afeyan Endowed Fund
Festive celebration with live music, refreshments and gifts warmly welcomes our newest citizens is offered in collaboration with United States District Court, City of Boston, Armenian Museum of America, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Children's Museum, Freedom Trail Foundation, The Greenway Conservancy, Museum of Fine Arts, New England Aquarium and Revolutionary Spaces.
Welcoming remarks have been offered by Bruce Bagdasarian, Esq, Sheehan Phinney and Vice President, Armenian Heritage Foundation (2024); Armine Afeyan, founding chair, Welcome Reception; Executive Director, Aurora Humanitarian Initiative (2023); Anna Afeyan Gunnarson, Treasurer, Board of Directors, Beacon Academy, Boston and Co-Chair, Noubar and Anna Afeyan Foundation; Monique Tú Nguyen, Executive Director, Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement (2022); Lena Afeyan, MIT graduate student; Alejandra St. Guillen, Director, Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement (2018); Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian; Judge Indira Talwani, US District Court (2017); Judge Rya Zobel, US District Court; Rep. David Muradian, MA House of Representatives (2016); Dr. Vartan Gregorian, President, Carnegie Corporation of New York; James Kalustian, President, Armenian Heritage Foundation; Chief Felix Arroyo, Mayor's Office of Health & Human Services; Armine Afeyan, Friends of Armenian Heritage Park (2015).
CELEBRATE PUBLIC ART!
On the first Saturday of May, the event features World Labyrinth Day: Walk as One, an initiative of The Labyrinth Society, followed by the Reception to View the New Configuration of the Abstract Sculpture.
Welcome has been offered by Ted Touloukian, AIA (2018- annually since); Remarks: Audrey Lopez, Public Art Curator, The Greenway Conservancy (2023); Karin Goodfellow, Director of Public Art, City of Boston (2022); Geometry as Public Art: Telling a Story -4th grade students, The Eliot K-8 Innovation School sharing their I AM Poem (2019); Sara Baker, Editor-in-Chief, Art New England (2018); Lucas Cowen, Director of Public Art, The Greenway Conservancy (2017); Jared Bowen, Arts Editor, WGBH (2016).
"Public art is the way we express ourselves as a community — i
t’s the way we tell our story."
Karin Goodfellow, Director of Public Art, City of Boston
CELEBRATING WHAT UNITES US! monthly series
In collaboration with the City of Boston Age Strong Commission, the monthly series celebrates what unites and connects us, building community and common ground. Each month highlights the country of origin of many living in the City and beyond. A leader shares his/her immigrant experience followed by walking the labyrinth. Chef speaks about a signature dish for all to then enjoy for tasting and conversation.
“Today we are celebrating what binds us together. This togetherness, this celebration and the embrace of our difference,
is how we not only survive but thrive."
- Tania Del Rio, Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement
The series was initially offered in collaboration The KITCHEN at the Boston Public Market. During COVID in collaboration with Oldways, the virtual series that focused on signature dishes, was offered virtually.
MOVEMENT & WALKING MEDITATION
In collaboration with Boston Public Health Commission, week;y program introduce the benefits to one’s health and well-being of walking the Labyrinth.
TEA & TRANQUILITY
Late afternoon, May - September to meet/greet, walk the labyrinth and enjoy ice tea and desserts; for first time visitors, an introduction to the Park.
UNDER THE MOON series
Evenings under the full moon to meet|greet and enjoy live music and light refreshments. June: Under the Strawberry Moon; July: Under the Raspberry Moon; and August: Under the August Moon
SUNDAY AFTERNOON FOR FAMILIES & FRIENDS
For all ages to meet|greet, enjoy live music, Hoodsies, art activities and play Find Someone Game with the chance to win something special.
GIVING THANKS: TOGETHER IN CELEBRATION!
Sunday afternoon in November sharing poetry and song, and collecting scarfs, gloves and hats for ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development) Warm Winter Drive.
CANDLELIT LABYRINTH WALK: IN PEACE & HARMONY
Early evening in December to walk the candlelit labyrinth and enjoy hot chocolate & cookies together.
VIRTUAL SERIES DURING THE WINTER
CELEBRATING ART, SCIENCE, SERVICE & COMMERCE: LEADERSHIP, SHARING EXPERIENCES
Leaders share experiences, celebrating contributions being made to life and culture in Art, Science, Service and Commerce, the words etched around the Labyrinth’s Circle.