Exhibition: November 16, 2006 – January 19, 2007
Reception: Thursday, November 16, 2006, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Cambridge, MA – The CAC Gallery exhibition, Randal Thurston: The Night Garden, November 16, 2006-January 19, 2007, reveals the progression from conception to completion of Thurston’s design of the public art component of the recently reconstructed Yerxa Road Underpass in North Cambridge. The exhibition features the artist’s preparatory sketches, drawings, cut paper and works, created between 2000 and 2006 for this project. Also on view are recent works from Thurston’s studio. All are welcome to the Artist Reception on Thursday, November 16, 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

Randal Thurston was commissioned by Cambridge's Public Art Program to design permanent public artwork for the Yerxa Road Underpass, located between Pemberton Street and Walden Square Road. The enlarged underpass allows pedestrian passage under the Fitchburg MBTA Commuter Rail line, and links two neighborhoods of North Cambridge. The underpass is fully accessible, has improved lighting, and is made more welcoming with the inclusion of public art and new landscaping.

Randal Thurston’s artwork for the Yerxa Road Underpass incorporates birds in flight, butterflies, and tree branches, translated from cut paper designs into sand-blasted tile and laser-cut steel, which are mounted on the walls and portals of the underpass. “I want the primary experience of seeing the tunnel and slowly approaching it to be one of wonder and curiosity,” said the artist in describing his intention.

Randal Thurston has been working with cut paper for many years, exploring the silhouette with close attention to its possibilities for metaphor and graphic impact. The Yerxa Road project represents Thurston’s first permanent public art project. He is a recipient of grants from the Somerville Arts Council and the New England Foundation for the Arts, among others, and has exhibited nationally as well as extensively throughout New England. He lives and works in Somerville, Massachusetts.

CAC Gallery exhibitions are free and open to the public.
For more information please call the Cambridge Arts Council at (617) 349-4380.

The CAC Gallery is located in the Cambridge City Hall Annex at 344 Broadway, at the corner of Broadway and Inman Street. Metered parking is available on Inman Street and Broadway.

Directions via MBTA: Take the MBTA Red Line to Central Square. At street level proceed west on Massachusetts Avenue (towards Harvard Square) to Inman Street. Turn right and proceed north for four blocks to Broadway.

CAC Gallery hours:
M, W, Th: 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
T: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
F: 8:30 a.m. - noon

Cambridge Arts Council Public Art Program
Public artworks commissioned by the Cambridge Arts Council’s Public Art Program are done so in accordance with the city's Percent for Art Program, which mandates that one percent of construction costs for capital improvement projects is designated to support the inclusion of integrated, site-responsive public art. Over 150 artworks have been commissioned into the Cambridge Public Art Collection for the enjoyment of all who live, work, and visit the city.

Cambridge Arts Council Mission Statement
The Cambridge Arts Council exists to ensure that the arts remain vital for people living, working and visiting Cambridge. www.cambridgeartscouncil.org or 617-349-4380.

The Cambridge Arts Council does not discriminate on the basis of disability. The CAC will provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternate formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to persons with disabilities upon request.