From The Publisher – July 2021
As I write this, I have the last three issues of Art New England spread out in front of me. It’s striking how much their covers reflect the magazine’s journey so far, and the nation’s. Covers are tough. They have a big job to do—they have to catch your eye from a distance; draw you closer to learn more; and, if we’re lucky, make you gasp a little. (Not to mention buy the magazine.) I still say “Wow” when looking at these three. Sharif Muhammad’s Black Liberty spoke to the winter moment of presidential transition and pandemic paralysis with such power, grace, and optimism, albeit cautious optimism. Ryan Adams’s explosive, color intense, geometric mural on the early spring cover reassured us that we were, in fact, going to be alright—and that we could allow ourselves more room for optimism. Vaccines were ready; doors were opening; Biden was still the president. The stunning May/June Jacob Lawrence cover of a horseback soldier charging forward, undaunted and unafraid, compels us all to keep moving forward. And we are. The nation is open, we are venturing outside, reconnecting with one another, embracing one another. And Biden is still president.
So now, six months into 2021, it’s time to create space for joy. And Ekua Holmes’s Flowers captures the lightness and brightness that summer joy promises. When discussing the July/August issue, that word kept popping up in our conversations more than any other. We’ve experienced hope, optimism, and bravery thus far this year—it definitely feels time for a little unbridled joy. This Summer of Joy issue is packed with fresh perspectives, new ideas, fun things to do and fascinating people and stories. It’s a celebration of joy and all that sparks it. As you read the issue, start a checklist—do everything and go everywhere and talk with everyone we write about. It’s as simple as that.
As always, we have an inspired array of writers this issue who have done a stellar job capturing this all-important summer in New England moment. Six writers contributed to the Summer of Joy feature which highlights fun and outrageously joyous things to do and see and people to seek out. If this story doesn’t get you off the couch, or out from behind your desk, nothing will. From art shows to dance to outdoor everything, your checklist starts here. Families will be heading to Mystic, CT upon reading Kristin Nord’s feature offering great ideas for introducing kids to museums, including the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mystic Aquarium. (Adults, you’ll have just as much fun as the kids.) Nicola Alexander suggests what we all should be reading this summer whether poolside, on the beach, at the park, or on your back deck. The ANE staff weighs in with what’s on their nightstands, too.
Loren King takes us back to the movies! Remember movies—in actual cinemas? Questlove’s Summer of Soul and Jamila Wignot’s Ailey both explode with joy. And it’s a summer of Shakespeare across the region. The Bard never disappoints and his words have always possessed an uncanny ability to speak to the moment, whatever moment we’re in. The Hood Museum of Art’s John Stomberg shares his perspective on joy as the Museum re-opens to the public; we meet artists Christina Pitsch in Christopher Volpe’s Studio Visit and Nicole Chesney in Liz Maynard’s Profile; Virgil Abloh’s Figures of Speech opens at Boston’s ICA; and we’re treated to a series of Reviews and Spotlights that will keep us gallery and museum-hopping all summer long. And there’s more.
So with this guide to summer joy in hand, go out and meet the season with hope and sunscreen. Get outside! It’s been a very long sixteen months or so, we all deserve the happiest, most art- and culture-filled summer we can imagine. While Biden is still president.
Enjoy the issue,
Tim Montgomery
Publisher
