Public Art, Immigrants and Labyrinths Celebrated at Heritage Park

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By Alin K. Gregorian

Mirror-Spectator Staff

BOSTON — An unseasonably gusty and rainy day did not dampen spirits at Armenian Heritage Park on Saturday, May 7. On that day, two programs took place at the park: a joining in with World Labyrinth Day and later a program to view and mark the reconfiguration of the abstract structure at Armenian Heritage Park.

Labyrinth walking is a form of meditation. On May 7, every year, at 1 p.m., the “World Labyrinth Day Walk as One at 1” takes place, in which participants, walking a labyrinth, are asked to meditate on peace and harmony. Globally, people in 23 countries take part in the walks every year.

The program was sponsored by the Friends of Armenian Heritage Park in collaboration with the Labyrinth Guild of New England. Chiara Megighian Zenati was the facilitator, pacing the walkers and explaining to them what the day’s event symbolized.

The second part of the program was dedicated to the reconfiguration of the dodecahedron, the abstract sculpture at the park. Architect Don Tellalian, the designer of the sculpture, has laid out plans for 25 different arrangements, after which the cycle will start again.

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The reconfiguration — the pulling apart and recreation of a new form — is meant to symbolize the immigrant experience, in which people leave their lands and create new lives for themselves and contribute to the state. It is a tribute to the immigrants that have made Massachusetts what it is now.

Nanore Barsoumian, editor of the Armenian Weekly, welcomed all those present. She also offered remarks about the monument and its symbolism, as well as the importance of the Armenian Heritage Park for the community.

Next, 
Lucas Cowen, public art curator for the Rose Kennedy Greenway, spoke of the organization’s efforts to integrate more public art into the Greenway.

Finally, Alin K. Gregorian, editor of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator, offered her personal experiences as an immigrant and the changes she sees in the Armenian community in the state as well as the difficulties she encountered upon arrival from Iran.

All those present enjoyed warm cups of tea from MEM Tea and pastries from Eastern Lamejun Bakers.

The annual reconfiguration is funded by the Charles G. and Doreen Bilezikian Fund, an endowed fund of Armenian Heritage Park.

The program was part of ArtWeek Boston.

 

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