Left: “Black Ant Optional” by Danielle Fiesta, Right: “T-Stop” by Seth Berkowitz

The Nave describes “Entering Somerville” as: “Art and music inspired by or created from the people, events and geography taking place in the 4.2 sq miles that make up the City of Somerville, MA.”

Left: Fine Art Reproduction Map, Somerville, MA 1900 by George W. Stadley & Co. Right: Cape by Bettina Lengsfeld

The Show brings together a wide range of artistic responses ranging from the historical to the contemporary. Perhaps best illustrating the show’s desire to bridge the gap between traditional and unusual is a reproduction of a historical map that shares a room with a shiny green cape bearing a patch in the shape of the city.

“Knowing When and The Secret” by Rachel Mello

One of my favorite pieces was a four-sided diptych painting on cut wood that hung from the ceiling, forcing viewers to walk in between the two panels. The painting seems to exemplify what it’s like to live in a city like somerville, how the rows of houses, the kitchens, the landscape all blend together to create our everyday environment.

“Knowing When and The Secret” by Rachel Mello

The show is a fun blend of pieces both quirky and perceptive. I do wish the show had a bit more detailed curatorial statement, as the curator was clearly thinking hard about how to incorporate many sides of the city into one show and although I enjoyed all the pieces, the overall impression left me wanting a little bit more than geography holding everything together.

Learn more about the show Here.

Learn more about the Nave Gallery Annex Here.