Jul 09 2022
MassQ Ball 2022: Origin

MassQ Ball 2022: Origin

Presented by Arnold Arboretum and Castle of our Skins at Arnold Arboretum

Convene in our collections to celebrate what makes us both unique and unified. A space for connection and healing, this intergenerational, cross-cultural exhibition of the arts asks the question: “If we, together, could author our own creation story, what would we create?”

The MassQ Ball 2022: Origin will feature the diverse artistic expressions of Boston’s communities of color. Interact with the landscape in new and creative ways, transform into a walking work of art through the practice of MassQing (a ritual application of paint to the face derived from ancient traditions of body decoration), and enjoy performances and art work by Boston cultural artists including:

• Dzidzor Azaglo, Spoken Word Poetry
• Sinha Capoeira, Brazilian Capoeira
• Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr., Indigenous Dance
• Ramiro Vaughan Purpose & Brian Washburn, Hip Hop Dance
• OrigiNation, African Dance
• Karen Young with Micah Rose & Mel Taing, Japanese Taiko drumming
• Castle of our Skins, Black Classical Music
• Jessica Chanhee Park, Boston Korean Traditional Dance
• jamele adams (aka Harlym 1two5), Spoken Word Poetry
• Lilly Manycolors, Installation Art
• The House of Nahdra, Fashion Design
• Veronica Robles, Mexican Folk Music

Attendees will be guided through the experience in intimate groups of about 30 people. The experience will be centered around the Conifer Collection along Hemlock Hill Road.

Admission Info

Registration is free and required. In the event of inclement weather, registrants will be notified.

Additional time info:

2:00–4:00pm:
Dzidzor Azaglo, Spoken Word Poetry
Sinha Capoeira, Brazilian Capoeira
Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr., Indigenous Dance
Ramiro Vaughan Purpose & Brian Washburn, Hip Hop Dance
OrigiNation, African Dance
Karen Young with Micah Rose & Mel Taing, Japanese Taiko drumming

5:00–7:00pm:
Castle of our Skins, Black Classical Music
Jessica Chanhee Park, Boston Korean Traditional Dance
jamele adams (aka Harlym 1two5), Spoken Word Poetry
Lilly Manycolors, Installation Art
The House of Nahdra, Fashion Design
Veronica Robles, Mexican Folk Music

Dates & Times

2022/07/09 - 2022/07/09

Location Info

Arnold Arboretum

125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130

Parking Info

You can get to the Arboretum by subway, bus, or car. Get directions to our main entrance at Arborway Gate, Peters Hill, Weld Hill Building, or Dana Greenhouses. Free parking is available along the Arborway, Bussey Street, and Walter Street. There is no visitor parking inside the Arboretum. The Arnold Arboretum also offers resources for improved accessibility.

The Arboretum is easily reached by public transportation. Take the Orange Line to Forest Hills, cross Washington Street, and take Blackwell Footpath through Bussey Brook Meadow to the South Street Gate.