Chestnut Hill Realty’s Ed Zuker celebrates historic property with Urban Symphony, a free, four-week outdoor exhibition featuring 14 local artists
On the occasion of Hancock Village’s 80th anniversary, Chestnut Hill Realty is marking the milestone with a gift to the Newton, Brookline, West Roxbury and surrounding communities—and to residents across the Commonwealth: Urban Symphony, a free, one-month outdoor art exhibition throughout the historic apartment community’s campus.
Organized by Brookline-based Studios Without Walls, the exhibition showcases 13 compelling works from 14 talented local visual artists. Each sculpture tells its own music-inspired story, inviting visitors to explore the grounds, discover unexpected perspectives and experience art in a welcoming neighborhood setting.
“Hancock Village’s 80th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate both its remarkable history and the people who give this community life today,” said Chestnut Hill Realty Founder and CEO Ed Zuker. “Urban Symphony is our gift to our neighbors in Brookline and West Roxbury, and to people throughout the Commonwealth. We invite everyone to come, enjoy these extraordinary works and share in the sense of discovery and connection that art can inspire.”
The participating artists were honored at a ceremony this week at Hancock Village, where each received a commemorative book showcasing the property’s storied past, present and future. Originally developed to house returning World War II veterans and their families, Hancock Village has been home to generations of residents over eight decades.
At the ceremony, proclamations from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declaring September 17 Hancock Village Day in honor of its 80th anniversary were read to the assembled artists and residents.
“Each artist brings a distinct voice to Urban Symphony, and each work offers a story that unfolds through its relationship with the landscape and the people who encounter it,” said Bette Ann Libby, founder of Studios Without Walls. “We are delighted to partner with Ed Zuker and Chestnut Hill Realty to bring this exhibition to Hancock Village, where people of all ages can engage with contemporary art freely and at their own pace. Viewers may enjoy the rhyming art treasure clues created by each artist, which can be found on the tour map provided at the exhibit and the Studios Without Walls website.”
The exhibition extends Hancock Village’s anniversary celebration beyond its residents, welcoming neighbors and visitors to experience the community through art. Set throughout the campus, the works offer opportunities for conversation, reflection and shared discovery.
Urban Symphony opened September 17 and will remain on view until October 16. Admission is free and open to the public. Visitors can begin their exploration seven days a week between 9 AM to dusk at the Hancock Village Community Center, One Hancock Village Drive, Chestnut Hill, where they can pick up a self-guided tour map. In honor of Studios Without Walls, Hancock Village will give away 80 $100 gift cards to visitors through a drawing – representing a gift card for each year of Hancock Village’s existence. Visitors may pick up their entry cards at the Hancock Village Community Center before October 16.
PICTURED: Lauren Zuker Siff and Ed Zuker, joined by Ben Franklin, display Hancock Village Day citations from Massachusetts and the City of Boston.