City of Salem Announces Harbor Connector Path Sculpture Garden

Seven sculptures to be installed along new multi-use path in upcoming public art project
sculpture

Seven sculptures will soon be installed along the newly created Salem Harbor Connector Path in celebration of the path’s completion this past summer. The project is the brainchild of Julie Barry, Salem’s Senior Planner for Arts & Culture in the Department of Planning and Community Development, in partnership with independent sculpture curator Judith Klien. The project has been endorsed by the Salem Public Art Commission and Mayor Kimberley Driscoll.

“This exciting project is a continuation of our work to advance the vision of Salem’s Public Art Master Plan,” said Mayor Driscoll. “I want to thank the Public Art Commission and City staff for their efforts to make this new sculpture garden a reality. The Harbor Connector Path Sculpture Garden will be an uplifting and engaging focal point in our community’s growing trail network.”

“We wanted to celebrate the formal unveiling of this new path by offering people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to experience art by regional artists against a backdrop of beautiful parkland and scenic views of Collins Cove,” explained Barry. “Although we have many public murals and quite a few memorials recognizing historical figures, the installation of the Salem Harbor Walk Connector Path Sculpture Garden will make the first long-term temporary display of contemporary sculpture in the city in many years.”

The sculptors, whose works will be on display from December 1, 2020 through November 30, 2021, are David Boyajian, Jose Criollo, Shawn Farrell, Gints Grinbergs, James Meyer, and Robin Tost. Information about these artists and their work is available at www.salem.com/public-art-commission or by using a smartphone camera to hover over the QR codes on the signs that will accompany the works along the pathway.

Funded in part through a MassTrails grant, the Harbor Connector Path extends Salem’s multiuse trail network from the Peter Tracy Walkway at Collins Cove to the Bentley School and Derby Street, where it connects to the new protected bike lane along Fort Avenue. As a result of these new links, Salem residents and visitors now have expanded transportation and recreation opportunities within the community.

A “ribbon cutting” to mark the opening of the Harbor Connector Path and to celebrate the sculpture exhibit will be held on December 3rd at 1:00 p.m. While the event is not open to the public in person due to COVID-19, members of the public can watch the event live on the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofsalemma.

The City would also like to give a special thanks to the crews from the City’s Engineering Department and Department of Public Services who supported this installation and made it possible.