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🌊 The ICA Watershed’s 2023 season

The seasonal East Boston art space will host a sculpture exhibition + free community programs this spring and summer — take the water shuttle to the ICA Watershed for a unique museum experience.

BOS-ICA-Watershed-Exterior

Hop on the museum’s water shuttle to check out this warehouse turned art gallery.

Photo provided by Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston

It’s almost time to get artsy in Eastie. The ICA Watershed begins its 2023 season this Thursday, May 25, and tickets are on sale for visits through Friday, June 30.

Here’s what to expect from the seasonal East Boston art space, housed in a 15,000-sqft former warehouse.

How do I get there?

The ICA Watershed is located at 256 Marginal St. within the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina (read: right next to Piers Park).

As the name suggests, the museum is located on the waterfront — meaning the best way to get there is by boat. Tickets for the Water Shuttle service from the Seaport are free for Institute of Contemporary Art members + included in the cost of general admission tickets.

The Watershed space is also accessible via the Blue Line to Maverick Station.

What’s on view?

The gallery hosts one exhibition each year. The 2023 exhibition, on view from opening day through Monday, Sept. 4, highlights a selection of recent sculptures and paintings by Guadalupe Maravilla.

Large-scale installation at ICA Watershed in East Boston

The sculptor from El Salvador says activism + healing influence his installations.

Photo provided by Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston

Don’t miss “Mariposa Relámpago,” which translates to “Lightning Butterfly” and is the artist’s largest sculpture to date. The piece includes natural materials, handmade objects, and other items collected by the artist as he retraced his migratory route from El Salvaor to the US.

What else is planned?

We’re glad you asked. The ICA Watershed is hosting free events throughout the summer — here are a couple to check out.

  • Watershed Block Party | Saturday, June 17 + Saturday, Aug. 19 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | The parties with East Boston Neighborhood Health Center Project + Community Healing Project will feature Reiki demonstrations, a performance of Spanish folk songs, and salsa lessons.
  • Sound Baths | Saturday, June 10 + Sunday, Aug. 13 | Times vary | See (and hear) the “Mariposa Relámpago” exhibition in a new way at this immersive activation led by the artist.

Plus, both ICA locations will offer free admission on Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Labor Day.

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