Right now, there are a few artshows going on between Diesel and Bloc. And the agespan between the artists is 81 years.
Originally, I was so excited to write about the series of art shows at Bloc. But today, as I perused the freshly painted walls at Diesel and took in the prolific art work of Peter Phelps, I realized what really struck me was actually more about how the desire to create something can be with us our entire lifetime.
Infants Making Art
For the next few months, the entire rear corner of Bloc 11 will host a series of rotating art work from the children at Peabody Terrace Children’s Center. I have had the opportunity to visit there many times and the past couple of years, they have really devoted a great deal of time and energy into their art department.
It is so much fun to see infants and toddlers painting, playing with and eating clay, drawing, and making sculptures. Every single child is engaged.
Viki: the Art Teacher
Dates for future Peabody Terrace art openings at Bloc 11 are:
Saturday, 2/21
Saturday, 3/14
Saturday, 4/4
In contrast, the current work at Diesel is from an 81 year old man by the name of Peter Philips. His story is pretty amazing. His recent interview with CBS reveals a lot about who he is and why he does what he does. Recently homeless and diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, he moved to Boston from Western Massachusetts, in his words, to die. He gave away all of his possessions and packed a single bag to enroll in a clinical study at Dana Farber. He had no money and no where to live and ended up in homeless shelters for a couple of years while in the trial. Now, his cancer is in full remission and he was able to find a new home with the help of Hearth. He paints 10 paintings a week and paints at least 40 hours a week. All proceeds from this art show go to Hearth as his way of thanking them for helping him find a home and a community.
Listening to the way that Peter speaks, I am reminded of watching the children at Peabody Terrance paint with brushes bigger than their entire torsos or mold clay that is too heavy for them to lift. Wonder.
There will be a reception for Peter’s art at Diesel on March 2nd.
We hope to see you!