Watertown, MA – Mount Auburn Cemetery, known for its historic landscapes and serene beauty, has pioneered a unique initiative that melds art with nature and history. In 2014, Mount Auburn became the first cemetery in the United States to establish an Artist-in-Residence program, a concept that has since grown in popularity across the country. This year marks the program’s 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of works that bring to life Mount Auburn’s themes of life, death, hope, and grief.

Since its inception, the Artist-in-Residence program has provided a platform for 28 artists, from sculptors and dancers to poets and playwrights, all of whom interpret Mount Auburn’s unique character in compelling ways. Bree Harvey, Vice President of Cemetery and Visitor Services at Mount Auburn, explained the inspiration behind the program: “Our artists help tell Mount Auburn’s stories by using the media they work in, creating a meaningful connection between the cemetery’s landscape and its visitors.” Harvey also emphasized the program’s growth, noting, “We’re now awarding several artists a year, providing smaller grants for more projects, which allows us to reach a larger artistic community.”

Each artist brings something distinct to Mount Auburn, interpreting the cemetery’s beauty and history in new and innovative ways. Composer and instrument designer Eden Rayz, a recent Artist-in-Residence, crafted a custom instrument named “Argent and Sable” from pieces of Mount Auburn’s historic Bigelow Chapel pipe organ. “The Artist-in-Residence program empowered me to create spaces of profound otherness, encapsulating this cemetery in sound. It was an experience that connected me deeply to the environment,” shared Rayz.

Playwright Patrick Gabridge, an Artist-in-Residence from 2018-2019, also found inspiration in Mount Auburn’s landscapes and archives. He developed “The Nature Plays” and “The America Plays,” a series of short, site-specific performances that explore the natural world, American history, and the lives of notable figures buried at Mount Auburn. “I spent months researching Mount Auburn’s archives and walking the grounds to create plays specifically tied to its history and nature. It was a deeply immersive experience,” said Gabridge.

The current cohort includes artists working in diverse fields such as landscape design, poetry, and dance. One team of landscape architects is designing a sensory trail that will allow visitors to experience Mount Auburn through all five senses. A poet is crafting verses inspired by figures buried at the cemetery, and a dancer is developing performances that connect movement with the landscape’s natural beauty.

For those interested in following the program’s progress, Harvey recommends subscribing to Mount Auburn’s newsletter and social media channels for updates, sneak peeks, and event announcements. Current artist projects will be presented to the public in spring 2025, offering new opportunities for reflection and connection.

Learn more about Mount Auburn’s Artist-In-Residence program: mountauburn.org/artist-in-residence/

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