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37º | Sunny | 6% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:12 a.m. | Sunset 4:28 p.m.

All the colors of the Rainbow Swash

🌈 All the colors of the Rainbow Swash

Boston's 140-ft tall LNG storage tank with a rainbow design

You can spot this vibrant storage tank on the east side of I-93. | Photo by @colehughesimages

Did you know our city is home to the largest piece of copyrighted artwork in the world? We’re sharing the story of Boston’s “Rainbow Swash,” a recognizable burst of color on a gas tank along Dorchester’s waterfront.

If you’re unfamiliar with the artwork, we’ll paint a picture of this local landmark.

Who created the Rainbow Swash?

That would be Corita Kent, a former nun, social justice advocate + artist who lived from 1918 to 1986. She left the order and moved to Boston in 1968, and was commissioned by the Boston Gas Company president to paint one of the company’s gas tanks in 1971.

It was a pretty tall order — 140 ft tall, to be exact. A team of 20 other painters helped to reproduce Corita’s eight-inch model design on the massive storage tank.

Corita is also well known for creating the 1985 postage stamp “Love,” which sold more than 700 million copies.

Aerial view of LNG gas storage tank with rainbow design in Boston — This iconic Boston sight was featured in the opening credits of “Fever Pitch.”
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Photo by @kevinrkrause

Why was the design controversial?

Corita’s background as a political advocate led many to believe that the profile visible on the blue swash was a portrait of Ho Chi Minh in protest against the Vietnam War. The artist never confirmed nor denied the claim, leaving an air of mystery around the blue outline.

Take a closer look next time you pass the tank to see if you notice a face or an abstract blob. Art is in the eye of the beholder, after all.

How can I see the artwork for myself?

While you can’t visit the tank up close, it’s easily visible from the highway. The local landmark is just a few miles south of downtown Boston on the east side of I-93. Fun fact: The tank moved to its current location in 1992, after the original LNG tank was torn down.

You’ll likely spot the vibrant pattern on local merchandise as well, including one of Pete Rogers’ Celtics jersey redesigns.

Events

Friday, May 19

Super Mercado Night Market | Friday, May 19 | 5-9:30 p.m. | Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave., Brighton | Free to attend | Super Bien will host an evening of shopping from local businesses like All She Wrote Books, Cambridge Naturals, and Why Not Jewelry by Kirsty.
West End Neighborhood Coffee Hours | Friday, May 19 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Sq., Boston | Free | Enjoy Dunkin’ iced coffee and Munchkins while connecting with Mayor Wu and other City officials.

Saturday, May 20

Walking Tour of The Innovation Trail | Saturday, May 20 | 10:30 a.m. + 2 p.m. | The Innovation Trail, 50 Broadway, Cambridge | $20 | Visit dozens of local sites and learn about the trailblazers who helped make Boston an innovative city.
Spring Beer Fest | Saturday, May 20 | 1 p.m. | Time Out Market, 401 Park Dr., Boston | Free to attend | Sip locally crafted beers from breweries like Aeronaut, Vanished Valley, Nightshift, Bent Water, and Kettlehead.
Brookline Symphony Orchestra: Montgomery, Walker, and Prokofiev | Saturday, May 20 | 8 p.m. | All Saints Parish, 1773 Beacon St., Brookline | $0-$15 | Catch the final show of the local symphony’s 2022-2023 season.

Sunday, May 21

Inman Eats & Crafts | Sunday, May 21 | 12-4 p.m. | Inman Square, 1310 Cambridge St., Cambridge | $20 | Pick up your “Inman Bucks” and stop by the event between Springfield and Prospect streets to check out 30+ makers and vendors.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Sports

The countdown is on for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games at Gillette Stadium, and Boston’s official logo has been released. Our city’s version of the tournament logo is yellow, green, and blue, with the slogan “We Are Boston.” (NBC 10)

Number

30. That’s how many local businesses have been officially established as Legacy Businesses by the City of Boston. The awardees, including Twin Donuts, the Chez-Vous Roller Skating Rink, and Wally’s Cafe, will be honored at an awards ceremony on Monday, May 22 at Faneuil Hall.

Drink

Fenway’s Time Out Market is hosting a seasonal “Daiquiri Deck” beginning next Friday, May 26. The converted metro van will serve up frozen daiquiris and margaritas, mudslides, piña coladas + other specialty summer cocktails.

Arts

Salem-based artist Miguel Cruz has paid homage to Jayson Tatum with a new mural. Head to Graffiti Alley in Cambridge to see the artwork celebrating No. 0’s record-breaking 51 points against the 76ers — created entirely in Celtics green, of course. (Boston.com)

State

Governor Maura Healey has promised up to $700 million — twice the state’s original financial commitment — for two Cape Cod bridge replacements. The 88-year-old Sagamore + Bourne bridges are undergoing one of the most expensive bridge projects in the US. (Boston Globe)

Edu

A new program is launching at UMass Boston to explore social, ethical, and diversity-related issues with artificial intelligence. The “Paul English Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute” will open during the 2023–2024 academic year. (NBC 10)

Community

The City of Cambridge is encouraging residents to host block parties by removing the $25 permit fee, providing free party games, and offering $200 cash awards. Learn more about hosting an outdoor gathering this summer.

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Shop

Quick, who’s the next person you’ll buy a gift for? We’ve got 25 gift ideas that will spark joy + are perfect for every budget. One of our favorites? A heated back and neck massager to relieve pressure and tension.

Events

Plan ahead for Pride Month

The City of Boston’s plans for Pride Month

Aerial view of Boston Common with tennis court, trees, and city buildings

The 2023 Pride Parade will travel from Copley Square to Boston Common. | Photo by @oschapov

With June just around the corner, Mayor Wu shared what Boston has in store for Pride Month. Get ready to be wicked proud at these citywide celebrations.

🏳️‍🌈 City Hall Plaza flag raising

For the first time in three years, Boston’s civic hub will host an in-person flag raising event at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 1 to kick off Pride Month.

📸 “Portraits of Pride”

Make plans to check out the month-long LGBTQ photography exhibition at City Hall Plaza, created by local photographer John Huet + Creative Director Jean Dolin.

👟 Pride Parade

This year’s parade, hosted by Boston Pride for the People, is expected to draw a crowd of more than one million people on Saturday, June 10. The all-ages event will begin in Copley Square at 11 a.m. Stay tuned for more parade particulars.

Plus, the City is encouraging Bostonians to get involved by registering to host Pride block parties + neighborhood gatherings.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Sara

From the editor

After a wonderful trip to the UK, it’s good to be back in Boston. While I unfortunately won’t be joining my fellow Swifties in Foxborough this weekend, I do have a few fun local plans.

You might catch me watching the MBTA Musical in Davis Square tonight, grabbing a drink from my favorite bar in East Boston (The Quiet Few) on Saturday, and shopping Bow Market’s vintage market on Sunday.

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