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Free admission to the MFA is available to all Massachusetts residents on Juneteenth, Monday, June 19. (Photo courtesy MFA)
Juneteenth became a federal holiday two years ago, a day to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
t’s a joyous day, filled with secular gatherings, religious services, and other festivities to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
Museums frequently get into the act, too, with events and activities to mark June 19 – Juneteenth — as a very important date.
The Museum of Fine Arts Boston — the MFA — partners with Citizens Bank to offer free admission to all Massachusetts residents all day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday, June 19.
The day’s lineup includes performances, art-making activities, a Spotlight Talk, and a chance to see “Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina,” a new exhibition honoring the work and legacy of the enslaved men, women, and children who crafted stoneware storage vessels in Old Edgefield for roughly 50 years before emancipation. Tickets are available in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free with a valid Massachusetts ZIP code. Visit www.mfa.org/event/open-house/juneteenth for details.
Concord Museum hosts a free Juneteenth Family Program from 10-11 a.m. featuring a dance performance by Illstyle & Peace Productions, featuring contemporary and old-style hip hop blended with other performance techniques. Space is limited and registration is required at https://concordmuseum.org/events/juneteenth-family-program/
Also on the Juneteenth calendar is an Antislavery Walking Tour at 11 a.m. on June 19. A museum interpreter will introduce participants to the Concord women and men who played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement in the years leading up to the Civil War. Register at https://concordmuseum.org/events/antislavery-walking-tour-4/
In Lowell, Juneteenth shares top billing with Father’s Day on Sunday, June 18, at Muldoon Park, 5 Billerica Street. From noon-5 p.m., enjoy food, kayaking (weather permitting), giant lawn games, info tables, an outdoor exhibition and entertainment. Sponsoring organizations include Art in the Park from Lowell National Historical Park and the Lowell Community Health Center. It’s hosted by the Black Lowell Coalition and Just Dream Inc. Visit www.blacklowellcoalition.com for info.
Gallery notes
LOWELL NOTES: “Red, White or Blue” is on view through July 16 at the ALL Gallery, 307 Market St., Lowell. Gallery hours are noon-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Visit www.artsleagueoflowell.org for info … Register now for July and August classes at Chez Claire Art School. Artist and teacher Claire Gagnon offers instructions in acrylics, watercolors and drawing and she welcomes beginners. For info and to register, visit https://www.chezclaireartschool.com/page/39133/july-august-weekly-classes.
SUMMER ART IN BLOOM: Here’s a sure cure for the rainy days’ blues you may be experiencing with all this wet weather. Take a trip north next weekend to Ogunquit, Maine and take in The Ogunquit Museum of American Art’s annual Art in Bloom event from Friday, June 23 through Sunday, June 25. During this popular three-day event, the museum will showcase up to 15 floral arrangements created by area garden club members, professional florists, and independent floral designers. Responding to a work of art on view, each designer will present an arrangement of fresh flowers, with supporting organic materials that may include seed pods, driftwood, and other natural treasures. Interested in participating? Reach out to info@ogunquitmuseum.org for info.
Nancye Tuttle’s email address is nancyedt@verizon.net.
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