The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
Edible Watertown, a dynamic public art initiative by the Public Arts & Culture Committee, brings temporary public artworks to Watertown in 2025, focusing on local ecology, resilience, and environmental awareness.
“We are incredibly excited to see the collaborations unfold and the educational artworks that will emerge,” said Liz Helfer, Public Arts & Culture Planner. “These pairings bring together unique perspectives and expertise, and we anticipate that their projects will deeply resonate with our community.”
The “Expert Pairings” teams are currently implementing their project proposals, which were presented to the Public Arts & Culture Committee on February 24, 2025. The projects will be unveiled between July – October 2025.
Expert Pairings” is supported by a $20,000 Projects Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and an Accelerating Climate Resiliency Grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
“Tangled Connections” – Leah Craig, Nicole Weber, Amy Mertl, and Romi Butscher
This project focuses on the invasive Japanese Knotweed and aims to educate the public on its uses. A woven trellis sculpture made of sterile knotweed and supporting living native plants has been installed on the linear path between White and Waverley Streets. All are invited to attend the opening reception on Sunday, July 13th, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., near the intersection of the Linear Park path and Forest Street, along the Community Path between Whites Avenue and Waverly Avenue. Admission is free and open to the public.
Additionally, the project invites you to document where knotweed exists in Watertown through www.iNaturalist.org and try crafting with knotweed and knotweed-based food by O’some Café at two upcoming workshops; register for “The Unruly Plant Workshop” on July 15 or October 8 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library.
The Unruly Plant Workshop on 7/15: https://watertownlib.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/the-unruly-plant-workshop-ink-ecology-and-creativity/
The Unruly Plant Workshop on 10/8: https://watertownlib.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/the-unruly-plant-workshop-ink-ecology-and-creativity-2/
“River Run” – Sophy Tuttle & Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA)
The mural collaboration between the acclaimed muralist Sophy Tuttle and the Charles River Watershed Association will feature imagery related to Watertown Dam, its historical significance, current environmental impacts and the forward-looking benefits of potential removal. “We intend to incorporate imagery highlighting the Indigenous experience with Watertown Dam.” says project lead for the CRWA and River Restoration Project Manager, Amber Siegel. The mural will be timed with the ongoing studies of the dam and is intended to engage the community in the process. The team engaged the public at the Charles River Watershed Association’s annual Fish Fest, which was held on May 18, 2025, and will be held again in May 2026. Look for the completed mural on the south side of the Watertown Dam this fall.
“Faces of the Forest” – Jenn Houle & Patrick Fairbairn
This project, located at Whitney Hill Park, uses signage, a zine, and tree banding to highlight the significance of selected plant and animal species. “Using selected forest trees as an exemplary visual structure, pathway signage helps visitors understand the vital roles trees play in this biodiverse ecosystem, from their towering presence to the leaves beneath them.” states the project proposal. The installation will include signage regarding carbon storage, tree cavity habitats, and keystone species like the Spicebush Swallowtail and Red-backed Salamander. Residents will have opportunities to participate as citizen scientists in ongoing research, and the team will lead a guided forest tour from the Marion Road entrance on October 25, 2025, from 10-11 a.m.
“Remixing the Forest” – Ira Klein & Yi (Jenny) Wang with Stanton Nash and Quinn Henthorne
This collaborative exhibition explores novel connections between visual and musical elements, highlighting the horticultural diversity of forests. Elements of the this pop-up exhibition will include a photographic exhibit, an educational graphic, and an audio-visual exhibit. The audio-visual exhibit will feature speakers and virtual reality headsets, and visitors will be able to remix audio tracks and visuals in real time. Re-mix the forest with the artist and scientist team on the River Green at Arsenal Yards on October 18, 2025, from 6:30-9 p.m.
About Edible Watertown
Now in its third year, Edible Watertown continues to foster community engagement through the artistic and scientific exploration of edible plants in Watertown. This interdisciplinary project aims to strengthen the connection between residents and their local environment, emphasizing the importance of local flora and ecosystems. (www.watertown-ma.gov/815/Edible-Watertown)
Contact
For project updates and event announcements, please follow the Public Arts & Culture Committee: www.watertown-ma.gov/688/Public-Arts-Culture/EdibleWatertown
Liz Helfer, Public Arts & Culture Planner ehelfer@watertown-ma.gov 617-972-6417