Sparking creativity in Boston ✨

PaintBox program artworks in Boston, MA

Cheers to more artwork around the city. | Photos via Jillian King, Emma Tavo, and Andres Giraldo

Have you ever passed by a utility box on your morning commute and wondered how it became a work of art? It’s all thanks to PaintBox, one of Boston’s initiatives to beautify the city.

The program is a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, the Boston Transportation Department, and Public Works. It’s been around since 2008, allowing a space for local artists to leave their mark across the city.

Here are a few of the artists from the 2022 program that have left their creative stamp on Boston.

🎨 Jillian King | Jamaica Plain
Stop by Fessenden Street and Norfolk Street to see this artist’s interpretation of JP — complete with JP Honk and Porchfest, the Arnold Arboretum + Jamaica Pond.

🎨 Emma Tavolieri | Roxbury
Located on the corner Shawmut Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, peep the adorable Boston Terrier on a hot pink backdrop.

🎨 Andres Giraldo | Allston-Brighton
Find vibrant mambo + salsa art at the corner of Cambridge and Gordon Streets. Pro tip: the artist encourages dancing by the box, taking a video, and posting it on social media to engage with the work.

🎨 Yami Salazar | Rose Kennedy Greenway
“Alliums in the Greenway,” located at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Milk Street, shows a girl sitting among greenery and flowers.

🎨 Likemind Design | Roxbury
The local mural company added some foodie flair to Washington Street and Melnea Cass Boulevard. Warning: don’t approach hungry.

Want to see even more fresh paint? Search the #paintboxboston on Instagram, or better yet, go for a stroll around your neighborhood and discover them for yourself.

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Today

Robin DiAngelo: Nice Racism & White Fragility | Mon., Oct. 17 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Boston Public Library Rabb Hall, 700 Boylston St., Boston | Free | The author of “Nice Racism" and "White Fragility” will have a fireside chat with BPL President David Leonard, followed by a Q+A and signing at Trident Booksellers & Cafe.
Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers | Mon., Oct. 17 | 7 p.m. | TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston | $45.00 - $525.00 | Catch one of the first games of the Bruins season.

Tuesday

Hike Boston: Commonwealth Avenue Mall Program | Tue., Oct. 18 | 2-3 p.m. | City Sports Back Bay, 480 Boylston St., Boston | Free | This edition of the free weekly hiking program takes visitors along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

Wednesday

Clover’s Street Kitchen Japanese Cuisine Pop Up | Wed., Oct. 19, Mon., Oct. 24 | 5-9 p.m. | Lamplighter Broadway, 284 Broadway, Cambridge | Try an order of onigiri (rice snacks), fried fish cakes + Takoyaki with your brew.

Saturday

The 3rd Annual Boston Irish Beer Festival | Sat., Oct. 22 | 12-6 p.m. | The Irish Cultural Centre The Irish Cultural Centre, 200 New Boston Dr., Canton | $0.00 - $25.00 | The third annual event features Ireland’s leading stouts + ciders.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

62º | Showers | 60% chance of rain

Development

The BPDA board approved plans to add 1.1 million sqft of labs, offices + housing to a parking lot next to Gillette’s headquarters in Fort Point. (Boston Business Journal)
The board board also approved plans to rezone an area of Allston-Brighton around Western Avenue, which is home to multiple proposed developments. The rezoning would pave the way for new multifamily housing. (Boston Business Journal)

Community

There will be a community meeting on Thurs., Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. to discuss options for a new community center in Allston-Brighton. Register to attend the first of several input meetings + read up on the newest Boston Centers for Youth & Families space in Dorchester.

Eat

We’re going loco for the new Tequila Dinner Series in South Boston. Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar will host the first of the monthly series on Wed., Oct. 19 with a five-course menu and flight of spirits — tickets are $75 each. 🌮 (Boston Chefs)

Sports

The New England Sports Network is working with Cambridge-based Akamai Technologies Inc. to livestream 2022-2023 Bruins home games and future Red Sox home games. Bostonians can download the NESN 360 app to watch games. 🏒 (BostInno)

Ranked

No. 5. That’s where Massachusetts ranked on a list of the top states for legal cannabis sales per capita in 2021. The Bay State earned more than $1.6 billion in total sales + roughly $232 in sales per capita. (Boston Business Journal)

Asked

Do you have any photos of a recent fall festival? Or the foliage around your neighborhood? Submit them to the BOStoday fall-tography contest for the chance to be featured on our social media. 📸

Shop

Throw it back to lunchbox fluffernutter sandwich days with the original marshmallow product that was invented right here in Somerville. Yes, we’re talking about the OG Marshmallow Fluff that dates back 100+ years. Give in to your inner child, order a jar, and check out these recipes.*

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Your excuse to buy more books 📚

Brookline Booksmith expansion complete in Coolidge Corner

We have all the heart eyes for this natural light + the high ceilings. | Photo via Brookline Booksmith

Bookworms rejoice — Brookline Booksmith’s major expansion is finally complete, and there are even more books to browse in Coolidge Corner.

The additional 800+ sqft of space (previously home to Dependable Cleaners) was designed by local architect Glenn Morris. The new look features a more open layout, complete with high ceilings, a vintage brick wall with arched windows + lots of natural light.

What else is in store? Three new table displays of bargain books, the return of the kids’ section, and almost an entire wall of graphica and manga books.

This isn’t the bookstore’s only new chapter — the store is adding a Queer Book Club, which will meet on the first Monday of every month.

Read up on all of the store’s programming and book it over to 279 Harvard St. to see the new look for yourself.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by City Editor Sara.

Editor’s pick: Croissant, meet waffle. I recently learned that a fellow Boston University graduate opened a cafe serving “croffles,” and I can’t wait to try the hybrid treat. 🧇

If you’re also intrigued by this sweet combo, head over to Glazed Bytes at The Shops at Chestnut Hill.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Sip these seasonal beers from local breweries.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Jessica Burton, Sara Frazier, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Peter Baldassare | Advertise with us.

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