The Mystic River Festival-- A Showcase for Artists of All Stripes.

Condon Shell

I caught up recently with Laura Brereton, the new director of the Mystic River Celebration that is to be held Sept.25, 2021. This celebration, by the waters of the Mystic River, will be open to Medford and Somerville artists, as well as regional artists. Its main focus is to bring the arts to Medford. From talking with Brereton there seems to be quite an eclectic mix of participants.  For more info about the festival go to:  https://cacheinmedford.org/mystic-river-celebration/

What is your connection to Somerville? 

We are neighbors! And we share some things like the Mystic River and Tufts University, so we feel a special kinship with Somerville.

Can you give me a brief history of the event, and its mission statement?

 The Mystic River Celebration began 11 years ago as the brain child of Allie Fiske who used to be the Director of the festival as well as the Program Director for CACHE, a non-profits arts organization in Medford. She recently stepped down in her role, and I am the new Director for the festival. Allie and the CACHE board members wanted to bring more arts to Medford and also make good use of the Condon Shell, which is a huge asset to our community. The goals for the festival are to highlight local bands and musicians by featuring live music, and to showcase other types of performers like dance troops, poets, and circus performers. We have also included interactive art installations. Additionally, there are many artisan vendors and local organizations who have booths at the event. We also have activities for children and food vendors.

Any Somerville artists of note who participated over the years?

 We have artists from all over the region participating, and I am sure there have been some from Somerville but I don't know specific names.

Why is the Mystic River such an inspiration--in your opinion? 

To me, the river is not only a wonderful natural resource but it also represents life, movement, flow, change, and beauty- all qualities that are equally present in art and community.

This is an outdoor exhibition, as well as a juried event. What criteria will the judges use to judge a painting?

 This is not actually a juried event. Only the application process for artists is juried so that we have diversity and variety in the type of art at the event.

You are a music teacher--any music included?

 I am a musician and teacher. Music is a key part of the festival as it not only makes for a fun and lively vibe, but it also allows us to highlight some musicians from our incredible Boston-area music scene. And, as an added bonus, the Condon Shell has just been updated with a gorgeous new mural by local artist Meagan O'Brien so the stage area looks phenomenal!

If someone asked you, "Why should I attend?"--What would be your answer?

 Now more than ever, we need the arts and a sense of community to bridge divides and help people heal. The Mystic River Celebration strives to do just that. Through music and art we bring a fun, safe, and community-minded celebration of the arts to the banks of the beautiful Mystic River.