26th Annual Rappaport Art Prize Artist Lecture with Alison Croney Moses

Please join us for a lecture by Alison Croney Moses, the recipient of the 2025 Rappaport Art Prize. A light reception before the lecture will begin at 6pm. The lecture will begin promptly at 6:30pm. About the Artist: A Boston based artist, Alison Croney Moses creates wooden objects that reach out to your senses—the smell of cedar, the color of honey or the deep blue sea, the round form that signifies safety and warmth, the gentle curve that beckons to be touched. Born and raised in North Carolina (USA), by Guyanese parents, making clothing, food, furniture, and art is embedded in her memories of childhood. She carries these values and habits into adulthood and parenting—creating experiences, conversations, and educational programs that cultivate the current and next generation of artists and leaders in art and craft. Her work is in the collections at Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She is a recipient of the 2023 Boston Artadia Award, the2022 USA Fellowship in Craft, and a finalist of the 2024 LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize. Her work has been featured in American Craft Magazine Boston Art Review. She was recently named one of the 2023 WBUR 10 Makers. In the Fall of 2023, Alison’s first solo was reviewed in the Boston Globe. Alison holds an MA in Sustainable Business &amp; Communities from Goddard College, and a BFA in Furniture Design from Rhode Island School of Design.

deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum

Harvest Wreath Making with Derby Farms

Celebrate the beauty of the season with a hands-on fall wreath–making workshop at deCordova, led by the floral design experts from Derby Farms. Using an array of autumnal blooms, textured foliage, and seasonal accents, you’ll craft a unique wreath to bring warmth and color to your home. Whether you’re preparing for the holidays or simply embracing the charm of fall, this workshop offers a relaxing and creative way to connect with nature and the season’s bounty with the inspiring setting of the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Don’t forget to bring along your trusty garden pruners, scissors, or shears. We also suggest wearing gardening gloves and an apron to keep you comfortable while you create your masterpiece. Recommended for ages 13+. Derby Farm Flowers &amp; Gardens is a women-owned, environmentally conscious, bespoke floral and garden gift shop with two locations in Arlington and Newton. Cancellation Policy:&nbsp;In the event The Trustees cancels a program due to severe weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances, we will notify registrants by email and issue a full refund or transfer to another scheduled program within two weeks of the cancellation. To cancel a reservation, please contact cclark@thetrustees.org&nbsp;7 days prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund. Refunds and transfers will not be granted for cancellations placed fewer than 7 days before the start of the program. As a general policy, The Trustees does not issue refunds for weather-shortened programs, in keeping with our standard approach to outdoor programs and the unpredictability of New England weather. Questions? Want to become a Trustees member and enjoy free and/or discounted programs? Contact cclark@thetrustees.org.

deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

Halloween in the Morning Mist

Celebrate Halloween at deCordova with your little one! Spend a crisp fall morning with your family in the Sculpture Park and complete gently-ghoulish activities designed for preschoolers and toddlers. Work with educators to explore spiders through a collaborative rope web installation and sculptures inspired by the 8-legged arachnids. Costumes encouraged and all ages welcome!

Dog Halloween Costume Contest at deCordova!

The Dog Halloween Costume Contest at deCordova is a “pawfect” opportunity for pups and their parents to show off their festive attire! All well-behaved dogs (and their owners) are welcome to enter the costume contest. Please bring your dog on leash and only bring dogs who can get along with other dogs. Water will be available for dogs. Judges will award special prizes for Best Human and Dog Duo Costume and Most Creative Dog Costume. Extra points will be given if your costumes are art or artist themed! Whether your pup is a ghost, a taco, or tiny Van Gogh, bring their best look and compete for fun prizes, doggy treats, and ultimate bragging rights. Bringing a costumed canine? Register for the contest by clicking the Register button. Bringing friends to the parade? They can pre-purchase museum park admission&nbsp;<a href="https://tickets.thetrustees.org/calendar/5ebec79a221490215acda925?_gl=1*1qkubo0*_gcl_au*NzI5MDE0NjE3LjE3NTM5MDA2MDQ.*_ga*NTMwNTY0MzQ0LjE2Njg2OTczMDM.*_ga_KN02F5C4BK*czE3NTU3OTQwMTEkbzU4NiRnMSR0MTc1NTc5NDU4MCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.">here</a>. Pre-ticketing is required in order to anticipate capacity and for anyone actively participating in the contest. Your ticket includes admission to deCordova’s campus, so please feel free to explore the grounds before or after the program. You’re welcome to picnic in the Park. Bring your own picnic or pick up a bite to eat at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetwistedtreecafe.com/">Twisted Tree Café</a>, and stop by&nbsp;<a href="https://thetrustees.org/program/decordova-store/">The Store</a>&nbsp;for a gift or souvenir. Cancellation Policy:&nbsp;In the event The Trustees cancels a program due to severe weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances, we will notify registrants by email and issue a full refund or transfer to another scheduled program within two weeks of the cancellation. To cancel a reservation, please contact the Old Manse&nbsp;7 days prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund. Refunds and transfers will not be granted for cancellations placed fewer than 7 days before the start of the program. As a general policy, The Trustees does not issue refunds for weather-shortened programs, in keeping with our standard approach to outdoor programs and the unpredictability of New England weather. Questions? Want to become a Trustees member and enjoy free and/or discounted programs? Contact cclark@thetrustees.org.

Color Theory in Nature with Kimberly Collins Jermain

Landscape painter, teacher, and author, Kimberly Collins Jermain, returns to deCordova to share her new book, ”Nature of Color: Your Field Guide to Exploring Color in the Natural World”. This program blends color theory, observation, and Kimberly’s personal methods for capturing the subtle shifts in the landscape. Through guided close looking, spark your color wonder, explore science principles of light, and follow an artist method. Perfect for artists, nature lovers, and anyone looking to deepen their relationship to color and place. Copies of ”Nature of Color: Your Field Guide to Exploring Color in the Natural World” will be available for purchase at the program. No purchase necessary to participate in the workshop. In the event of inclement weather, this program will take place on November 16 (rain date). Click here to register: https://thetrustees.org/event/441955/

Art of Presence: Yoga at deCordova

Immerse yourself in the beauty of art, nature, and mindful movement with Art of Presence, an yoga series at deCordova Sculpture Park. Set against a backdrop of stunning sculptures and serene landscapes, these guided sessions invite you to explore the intersection of body, breath, and creativity. Just as sculpture transforms space, yoga encourages us to shape our own sense of presence – grounding ourselves in the moment, attuning to the rhythms of nature, and finding inspiration in the art that surrounds us. Whether flowing through sunlit mornings or unwinding in the golden glow of evening, each practice will cultivate balance, awareness, and connection to the world around us. Join us for this unique opportunity to move, breathe, and be present in a place where art and nature become part of your practice. Cancellation Policy: In the event The Trustees cancels a program due to severe weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances, we will notify registrants by email and issue a full refund or transfer to another scheduled program within two weeks of the cancellation. To cancel a reservation, please reach out 7 days prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund. Refunds and transfers may not be granted for cancellations placed fewer than 7 days before the start of the program.

Art of Presence: Family Yoga at deCordova

Bring the whole family for Art of Presence: Family Yoga, a playful and engaging outdoor yoga experience at deCordova Sculpture Park. Surrounded by art and nature, families will move, stretch, and breathe together in a fun and welcoming environment. These interactive sessions encourage creativity, mindfulness, and connection—blending movement with storytelling, imaginative play, and the inspiring sculptures around us. Just as art invites curiosity and exploration, yoga helps children and adults alike find balance, presence, and joy in the moment. Join us for a family-friendly yoga experience where movement, art, and nature come together in a space designed for all ages to explore and enjoy. Cancellation Policy: In the event The Trustees cancels a program due to severe weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances, we will notify registrants by email and issue a full refund or transfer to another scheduled program within two weeks of the cancellation. To cancel a reservation, please reach out 7 days prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund. Refunds and transfers may not be granted for cancellations placed fewer than 7 days before the start of the program.

deCordova Book Club: Nature Sanctuary

Celebrate art, nature, and community with the deCordova Book Club! In June, August, and October, we will read a book inspired by the exhibition&nbsp;Nature Sanctuary, now on view at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Each book club meeting will take place near one of the original, site-inspired commissions of&nbsp;Nature Sanctuary&nbsp;and will be facilitated by Lauren Artiles, Director of Operations and Partnerships at GrubStreet. Light bites and refreshments provided. Check your local library or bookstore for copies of each month’s book. October 8: “Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden” by Camille T Dungy About the book: Poet and scholar Camille T. Dungy recounts the seven-year odyssey to diversify her garden in the predominantly white community of Fort Collins, Colorado. About the Facilitator: Lauren Artiles (she/they) is the Director of Operations and Partnerships at GrubStreet. In this role, she oversees the management of the Center for Creative Writing, both creatively and operationally; supervises GrubStreet’s events, membership program, and partner initiatives; and works to cultivate a warm, welcoming third place where every writer feels at home and empowered at each stage of their artistic journey. Lauren teaches and writes short fiction. She received an MFA in Writing from CalArts and is an alum of GrubStreet’s Short Story Incubator program. Lauren’s writing has been supported by a Vermont Studio Center Fellowship. Outside of work, her greatest pleasures include reading freaky little novellas, cooking elaborate meals for loved ones, watching horror movies, and tending to both her real garden and her garden of carefully curated playlists.

Nature Walk with Michele Grzenda

Join Lincoln Conservation Director Michele Grzenda for a guided nature walk through the scenic woodlands surrounding the deCordova campus. This walk invites participants to discover how these vital woodland buffers serve as nature’s guardians, protecting and maintaining the health of our local water bodies. Throughout the guided nature walk, Michele Grzenda will share insights into the area’s natural history and ecology, and why Flint’s Pond is vital for both wildlife and humans alike. As Lincoln’s Conservation Director, Michele Grzenda brings a deep knowledge of the local environment, offering insights into native habitats, changing ecosystems, and the visible and invisible ways water shapes our landscape. This enriching and informative walk is designed for all experience levels—whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious beginner. The walk will be approximately 90 minutes out and back on a loop trail, with stops for discussion. What to Bring:<ul><li>Layered clothing appropriate for the weather</li><li>Sturdy footwear (some trails may be wet or muddy)</li><li>Plenty of drinking water</li></ul>

Autumnal Equinox Stargazing with the Aldrich Astronomical Society

Watch the last rays of a summer sunset disappear into the night sky as you explore the Sculpture Park and learn about the season’s celestial bodies with Aldrich Astronomical Society. Take part in self-guided activities for all ages or join one of our Tour Guides for a Lantern Tour. Gather your friends and family, BYO flashlight or lantern, and we’ll see you at deCordova this Autumn Equinox. About Aldrich Astronomical Society: Aldrich Astronomical Society (AAS), which was founded in 1932, is one of the oldest astronomy clubs in the United States. We are dedicated to promoting an understanding of the night sky. Visitors can look forward to seeing constellations, planets and more through a variety of telescopes. Please note: Stargazing is very weather-dependent, and we can’t guarantee what will be visible in the sky on a given evening. If we need to reschedule due to weather, we will let you know as early as possible via email. Cancellation Policy: In the event The Trustees cancels a program due to severe weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances, we will notify registrants by email and issue a full refund or transfer to another scheduled program within two weeks of the cancellation. To cancel a reservation, please reach out 7 days prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund. Refunds and transfers may not be granted for cancellations placed fewer than 7 days before the start of the program.

Celebrate art, nature, and community with the deCordova Book Club! In June, August, and October, we will read a book inspired by the exhibition&nbsp;Nature Sanctuary, now on view at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Each book club meeting will take place near one of the original, site-inspired commissions of&nbsp;Nature Sanctuary&nbsp;and will be facilitated by Lauren Artiles, Director of Operations and Partnerships at GrubStreet. Light bites and refreshments provided. Check your local library or bookstore for copies of each month’s book. August 20: “The Painted Drum” by Louise Erdrich About the book: A lyrical novel of a priceless Ojibwe object and the effect it has had on those who have come into contact with it over the years. About the Facilitator: Lauren Artiles (she/they) is the Director of Operations and Partnerships at GrubStreet. In this role, she oversees the management of the Center for Creative Writing, both creatively and operationally; supervises GrubStreet’s events, membership program, and partner initiatives; and works to cultivate a warm, welcoming third place where every writer feels at home and empowered at each stage of their artistic journey. Lauren teaches and writes short fiction. She received an MFA in Writing from CalArts and is an alum of GrubStreet’s Short Story Incubator program. Lauren’s writing has been supported by a Vermont Studio Center Fellowship. Outside of work, her greatest pleasures include reading freaky little novellas, cooking elaborate meals for loved ones, watching horror movies, and tending to both her real garden and her garden of carefully curated playlists.

Library in the Landscape

Library in the Landscape welcomes young minds to enjoy live storybook reading and hands-on art making amidst nature’s beauty. Set in the heart of the Sculpture Park, this program invites children and an accompanying adult to immerse themselves in a blend of storytelling and creativity. With curated readings by Lincoln Public Library Children’s Librarians and hands-on activities inspired by the stunning sculptures of Nature Sanctuary, children are encouraged to connect with both literature and the environment. It’s an interactive experience designed to spark imagination, foster curiosity, and inspire a love for both art and reading. deCordova’s family programs are designed to welcome a wide range of ages and abilities. Sensory kits are available to help anyone feel more comfortable and engaged. Please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mnelson@thetrustees.org">mnelson@thetrustees.org</a>&nbsp;to discuss reasonable adaptations to benefit anyone in your group. Pre-ticketing is required in order to anticipate capacity. Your ticket includes admission to deCordova’s campus, so please feel free to explore the grounds before or after the program.

deCordova Performance Series: Low Lily Band

Join us for a wonderful evening of music featuring Low Lily in the deCordova Sculpture Park! Spread a blanket on the ground, or bring your own chair for a wonderful, family-friendly evening. Come early to enjoy our beautiful grounds surrounded by art and nature especially our new Nature Sanctuary exhibition. With the release of their 2023 album ‘Angels in the Wreckage’ (produced by Dirk Powell), the Vermont-based American Roots band LOW LILY brought their infectious sound to a new level. With the energy of fiddle music, the introspective quality of contemporary folk, the precision of bluegrass, and the drive of Americana, the members of Low Lily (Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Natalie Padilla) combine their individual talents into one stunning soundscape. Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout North America and the UK, garnering two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Award wins. In 2018, the band released a full-length album with 2X award-winning title track “10,000 Days Like These” and their original song “Hope Lingers On”, which has been sung by choirs around the world as an anthem for peace and justice. YOUR TICKET INCLUDES Your ticket includes admission to deCordova’s campus and free parking. Please feel free to explore the grounds before or after the program. You’re welcome to picnic in the Park. Purchase beer, wine and food at the <a href="https://www.thetwistedtreecafe.com/">Twisted Tree Café</a>&nbsp;in advance. NOTE: OUTSIDE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. If it rains, this concert will take place inside of the museum. Our deCordova Performance Series include:<ul><li><a href="https://thetrustees.org/event/416680/">Arias Aloft</a>&nbsp;on June 29 and rain date on July 25</li><li><a href="https://thetrustees.org/event/416679/">Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band</a>&nbsp;on July 11</li><li>Black Stone Valley Quartet on July 18</li><li>Leslie Mendelson on August 8</li><li>Low Lily Band on August 15</li></ul>Cancellation Policy: In the event The Trustees cancels a program due to severe weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances, we will notify registrants by email and issue a full refund or transfer to another scheduled program within two weeks of the cancellation. To cancel a reservation, please reach out 7 days prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund. Refunds and transfers may not be granted for cancellations placed fewer than 7 days before the start of the program.

deCordova Performance Series: Leslie Mendelson

Join us for a wonderful evening of music featuring Leslie Mendelson in the deCordova Sculpture Park! Spread a blanket on the ground, or bring your own chair for a wonderful, family-friendly evening. Come early to enjoy our beautiful grounds surrounded by art and nature especially our new Nature Sanctuary exhibition. With her enchanted voice and evocative songwriting, Leslie Mendelson has won the hearts and minds of both an adoring fanbase and fellow artists alike. No less than Jackson Browne has declared, “Leslie’s melodies are timeless. They reach me way back in my youth somewhere. I hear traces of Burt Bacharach and Carole King, and hooks and passages that remind me of the pop songs I grew up hearing on the radio,” while The Wallflowers frontman Jakob Dylan shares: “Voices like Leslie’s can get away with almost anything. Along with being a great songwriter, this leaves her with few if any peers.” A Grammy Award-nominated artist, Mendelson returns this summer with her fourth studio album,&nbsp;After The Party. For this latest effort, she collaborates with not one, but three producers: the legendary Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt), the young, in-demand Tyler Chester (Madison Cunningham, Sara Bareilles, Sara Watkins) and her longtime songwriting partner, three-time Grammy Award-winner, Steve McEwan. Recorded at Jackson Browne’s studio Grove Masters in Santa Monica, CA, she was joined by an ace band featuring guitarists Waddy Wachtel and John Jorgenson, bassists Leland Sklar and Derrick Anderson, and drummers Jim Keltner and Abe Rounds. YOUR TICKET INCLUDES Your ticket includes admission to deCordova’s campus and free parking. Please feel free to explore the grounds before or after the program. You’re welcome to picnic in the Park. Purchase beer, wine and food at the <a href="https://www.thetwistedtreecafe.com/">Twisted Tree Café</a>&nbsp;in advance. NOTE: OUTSIDE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. If it rains, this concert will take place inside of the museum. Our deCordova Performance Series include:<ul><li><a href="https://thetrustees.org/event/416680/">Arias Aloft</a>&nbsp;on June 29 and rain date on July 25</li><li><a href="https://thetrustees.org/event/416679/">Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band</a>&nbsp;on July 11</li><li>Black Stone Valley Quartet on July 18</li><li>Leslie Mendelson on August 8</li><li>Low Lily Band on August 15</li></ul>Cancellation Policy: In the event The Trustees cancels a program due to severe weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances, we will notify registrants by email and issue a full refund or transfer to another scheduled program within two weeks of the cancellation. To cancel a reservation, please reach out 7 days prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund. Refunds and transfers may not be granted for cancellations placed fewer than 7 days before the start of the program.

Holding Water: Artist Workshop with Evelyn Rydz

Join us for an an immersive, hands-on workshop in which participants will explore the intersection of art and the environment under the guidance of artist Evelyn Rydz. Inspired by the installation&nbsp;Holding Water, participants will engage with themes of water conservation, sustainability, and the natural world through creative expression. Drawing inspiration from Rydz’s own work, which often explores human connections to nature, participants will have the opportunity to experiment with watercolor pencils, ink, and meditative drawing. This workshop is best suited for ages 16+. About the Artist: Multidisciplinary artist Evelyn Rydz creates work across drawing, site-responsive installations and community projects. Her artistic practice centers on interconnected bodies of water, highlighting relationships between personal histories, human impacts, and threats to natural and cultural ecosystems. In her participatory projects, Rydz creates spaces for intergenerational community conversations and collective art making exploring immigration, public health, ancestral foods, and ways we are shaped by our sense of home. Rydz received her MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University and is currently Professor at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. <a href="https://evelynrydz.com/home.html">https://evelynrydz.com/home.html</a> Image: Folded Waters (Atlántico). Installation created for Ríos Intermitentes, part of the 13th Havana Biennial Palacio de Justicia, Matanzas, Cuba.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

joyraft.host65317

Experiences

26th Annual Rappaport Art Prize Artist Lecture with Alison Croney Moses

Harvest Wreath Making with Derby Farms

Halloween in the Morning Mist

Dog Halloween Costume Contest at deCordova!

Color Theory in Nature with Kimberly Collins Jermain

Art of Presence: Yoga at deCordova

Art of Presence: Family Yoga at deCordova

deCordova Book Club: Nature Sanctuary

Nature Walk with Michele Grzenda

Autumnal Equinox Stargazing with the Aldrich Astronomical Society

deCordova Book Club: Nature Sanctuary

Library in the Landscape

deCordova Performance Series: Low Lily Band

deCordova Performance Series: Leslie Mendelson

Holding Water: Artist Workshop with Evelyn Rydz