Poems are popping up all over Arlington Heights! This summer, 50 original haiku poems fill storefront windows all along Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington Heights; Arlington MA Neighborhood Haiku. The poems are being painted by 18 volunteer artists working with coaching from legendary sign painter Kenji Nakayama. A jury selected poems from almost 200 entered; the poets — ranging in age from 7 to 92 — drew inspiration from the streets and shops, green spaces and local history, people and community spirit of the Heights. Local poet and teacher Jessie Brown led 4 well-attended haiku workshops. Arlington’s poet laureate, Steven Ratiner, worked with his Beehive Poets group to put together a special collection of haiku.
On Wednesday, July 14, 2021 6:30 – 8:00 pm, a community celebration will take place. Featuring an open mic, live music, and a storefront stroll with some special opportunities to shop local. Plan to stay for dinner or get a takeout picnic at one of the great eateries of this distinctive neighborhood.
Arlington MA Neighborhood Haiku
Organized by Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture’s Public Art Curator Cecily Miller with Janet O’Riordan, Jessie Brown, Rob Davison, Julie Horvath, Emily Patel and Sarah Short. Thanks to the Grants Committee of Arlington Commission for Arts & Culture and the Mass Cultural Council for funding, event sponsors Century 21 Realty and Roasted Granola, and the many local businesses who made contributions and are generously hosting poems in their windows.
