Cambridge's Central Square is set to become the canvas for artist Sophy Tuttle, as she's been handpicked to add a splash of color to the new gateway arch, a notable public art project unfolding in the heart of the city. As reported by the City of Cambridge, Tuttle's reputation for striking visuals and her previous work that spans Massachusetts all the way to South America caught the eye of a 10-member selection committee set on transforming Carl Barron Plaza, with art set to be unveiled by late 2025.
A murmuring oasis of serenity is what the selection committee is banking on from Tuttle, whose prowess with a paintbrush and a bold sense of color are expected to provide an escape amidst the square's bustle. The committee, including city staff from various departments, believes her murals evoke a unique charm that could redefine Central Square's atmosphere. The ambitious project is a part of the city's Percent-for-Art Program, which dedicates a fraction of the city's construction costs to cultivating public artistry that resonates with the site it adorns.
Known for her murals that blur the lines between nature and human experience, the English-born American artist draws inspiration from her 2013 residency in Oaxaca, Mexico where activists and artists left a lasting influence on her work, as highlighted in Tuttle's murals that now decorate urban spaces from here to Colombia. Her creativity has been a colorful thread at festivals like PangeaSeed’s Sea Walls and POW! WOW! Worcester, events that showcase transformative public art on an international platform.
The city estimates that Tuttle's commission will total about $50,000, a package deal covering her design expertise, insurance, transportation, collaboration with city officials, and community engagement. She’ll be responsible for transforming the metal surface of the ribbon arch into a landmark worthy of the plaza’s central location. With the city covering additional costs like paint, workspace, and supplies, Tuttle's work is expected to be a cornerstone of Cambridge Arts and a testament to the dedication the city has to intertwining the arts into the fabric of urban development.
