Spring Planning

Optimism About MA Guidelines Lifting

At Newton Community Pride we were pleased to hear from Governor Baker that certain Covid guidelines were being lifted this month. With more vaccinations being given, and the state's hospitalization rate, case counts and daily case rates going down, we are now more optimistic to start planning spring and summer art filled outdoor activities. Fingers crossed it stays this way!

Save the date May 14-15th for a fun, family friendly event being planned. Stay tuned and check our website for details and new events. In the meantime, remember to still wear your masks, social distance and wash hands frequently.

Planning is Underway for Newton Al Fresco Dining

Newton Community Pride board members Gloria Gavris, Dinny Starr and Meryl Kessler were busy the last few weeks planning a more "art-filled" Newton Al Fresco Program.

Several city officials including Paula Gannon, Director of Newton Cultural Development, Nicole Freedman, Director of Transportation & Planning and David Koses from DPW, met recently with NCP board members at various take out dining "al fresco" sites in our village centers.

Like all of us, Newton Community Pride is looking forward to the warmer weather and supporting our restaurants, small businesses and dining outside once again.

Newton Out Doors Selection Process Begins

Newton Community Pride (NCP) thanks the many adult and student artists who answered the Call for Art for the Newton Out Doors initiative—the response was incredible!

As the next step, the Selection Committee will choose designs for approximately 20 doors, with winners notified by March 30.

The Newton Outdoors Selection Committee includes Meryl Kessler, NCP Board Member and Chair, Newton Out Doors; Claudia Fiks, Director of Development, Fuller Craft Museum, and Co-Chair, Newton Open Studios; Seana Gaherin, NCP Board Member and owner, Dunn Gaherins; Danielle Moriarity, Assistant Director, Newton Cultural Development, and Co-Chair, Medford Arts Council; Emily O’Neil, NCP Board Member and Executive Director, New Art Center; Susan Paley, Vice President of Community Relations, Village Bank (our Presenting Sponsor); Destiny Palmer, artist, muralist, and art instructor; and Dinny Star, NCP Board Member and Leadership Team, Women’s Foundation of Boston.

Installation of the public art program in our village centers will begin May 1st.

A door from The Umbrella Arts Center’s “Go Out Doors”. Photo by Ron Mann

Newton Cultural Council Survey

Are you an artist, a music-lover, a theater-goer? Are you aware that right here in Newton, the Newton Cultural Council offers grants to support art, science and humanities in our community?

They would like to hear from you about your interests so the NCC can best serve you, the residents and businesses of our city. Could you please help the NCC and complete this five minute survey? Thank you very much! Click for 5 minute survey.