Programs at the Park
Programs are inspired by the design and key features of Armenian Heritage Park that tell the story of the immigrant experience, and are engaging all cultures, ethnicities and ages, al coming together on common ground. Most are offered in collaboration with civic, arts, educational and cultural organization and planned by the Friends of Armenian Heritage Park.Several programs 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 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,Greater Boston Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee plans 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, and is offered in collaboration with United States District Court, City of Boston, The Advent School, 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.
Welcome: 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, Friends of Armenian Heritage Park; 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 two-part 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: Ted Touloukian, AIA (2018- annually since); Remarks: Karin Goodfellow, Director of Public Art, City of Boston (2021); 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 — it’s the way we tell our story."
Karin Goodfellow, Director of Public Art, City of Boston
CELEBRATING WHAT UNITES US! monthly series
Presently under review and consideration. The series was initially offered as a two-part program, offered in collaboration City of Boston Age-Friendly and The KITCHEN at the Boston Public Market to celebrate cultural heritage and contributions made to American life and culture and promote health and active living while building community and cross-cultural understanding. Each month highlighted the country of origin of many Boston residents. At the Park, a community leader shared his/her immigrant experience followed by walking the labyrinth. All walked to The KITCHEN where a Chef prepared a signature dish for all to then enjoy for lunch and conversation.
During COVID in collaboration with Oldways and Age-Friendly, the virtual series celebrating through food.
“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
TEA & TRANQUILITY weekly series
Late afternoons, May - October, offered in collaboration with Age Friendly Boson to meet and greet, walk the labyrinth and enjoy ice teas and desserts.
LABYRINTH WALKING WELLNESS weekly series
In collaboration with the City of Boston Office of Human Services, Boston Public Health Commission and Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at MGH, series of programs focus on the benefits to one’s health and well-being of walking the labyrinth including reducing and managing stress.
UNDER THE MOON monthly series
Meet & Greet, walk the moonlit labyrinth and enjoy live music. June: Under the Strawberry Moon; July: Under the Raspberry Moon; August: Under the August Moon
SUNDAY AFTERNOON FOR FAMILIES & FRIENDS
During September for all ages to meet & greet, enjoy live music, Hoodsies, art activities, play Find Someone Game with the chance to win Four Tickets for a Boston Duck Tour, and so much more.
GIVING THANKS: TOGETHER IN CELEBRATION!
Sunday Afternoon in November sharing poetry and song, and collecting Scarfs, Gloves and Hats for ABCD's Warm Winter Drive. *Action for Boston Community Development.
CANDLELIT LABYRINTH WALK: IN PEACE & HARMONY
Early evening in December to walk the candlelit labyrinth and enjoy hot chocolate & cookies together.
CELEBRATING ART, SCIENCE, SERVICE & COMMERCE: LEADERSHIP, SHARING EXPERIENCES
Leaders share their professional experiences and commitment to social good and making a difference during the public program celebrating contributions being made to life and culture in Art, Science, Service and Commerce, the words etched around the Labyrinth’s Circle.
Recording. Start at 3:40. Wednesday, April 7, 2021
For further information, please email hello@ArmenianHeritagePark.org or call 617.803.8785