We’ve been busy! Because of supply chain issues we had to select a different engineered hardwood material for the gallery spaces and secure an installer. We’ve now finalized those selections and putting down deposits! We’ve also confirmed our painting subcontractor for the gallery spaces and excited for these renovations happening in July and August.

*Image of engineered hardwood sample and finish next to the old carpeting it will replace. It’s easy to see how much this new flooring will brighten up the space!*

We’ve mentioned in past blog posts that our Central Street gardens were damaged when water needed to be quickly diverted from the basement and under the building during construction. The Museum building lives on top of a ledge and like much of Somerville, there is a ton of water under us. On the bright side, renovating the garden spaces gives us an opportunity to think about how we can put them to use. One of our members is a landscape architect and has volunteered their time to help us develop a plan. We’re excited about the idea of having an outdoor patio area, along with garden spaces that will allow us to host sculptures and events outdoors. While the plans are currently awaiting approval from the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, we’re actively getting quotes from landscapers so we can start quickly if/when they’re approved. We can’t mention the gardens without also mentioning the years of dedication and resources volunteered by the members of the Garden Club. We would love for them to be included in the planning process and hope to continue working with them in the future.

Besides fundraising and coordinating renovation and design details, we’re also working on an active exhibition and events schedule. See below for upcoming events, which are all listed on our website calendar and social media pages. Be sure to mark your calendars for our Reading Frederick Douglass Together event happening next Thursday, June 30th at 4:30pm at Bow Market.

Exhibitions

Firehouse Reels: 40 Years of SCATV | On view through July 9th

Space Invader: An Immigrant Experience through Immersive Art | On view through July 9th

Sanctuary City, A Community Curator exhibition curated by Julia Csekö | Opens September 15th

Events

Reading Frederick Douglass Together @ Bow Market | Thursday, June 30th at 4:30pm

Firehouse Reels: Closing Reception | Saturday, July 9th at 2pm

Space Invader: Closing Reception | Saturday, July 9th at 5:30pm