A Home for Our Future Generations
I am honored to collaborate with my fellow Brazilian artist Raquel Fornasaro on creating a public artwork responding to the theme of sustainability.
Funded by the sponsors of Mass Save through a Community Education Grant, the City of Framingham and the Town of Natick have invited us to design and lead two complementary, participatory public art projects (one in Framingham and one in Natick) that connect with the theme of Our Energy Future. Our Energy Future is about the role each of us plays in achieving greenhouse gas emission reduction goals in our homes and buildings. This participatory public art project will amplify the importance of collective action towards a more sustainable future.
A Home for Our Future Generations uses creativity to inspire environmental awareness. The public installation takes the form of a home, evoking safety and comfort while inviting participants to care for the environment collectively.
The sculptural installation features two 8×8 ft walls with a door and window. Lead artists paint murals on the interior surfaces, highlighting energy conservation and efficiency. On the exterior, residents of Framingham and Natick actively participate in twenty workshops, painting individual shingles that together form a mosaic representing a dataset of positive outcomes from energy-saving measures, an Energy Conservation Journey.
The project emphasizes co-creation and horizontal learning. Participants directly transform abstract data into a dynamic, emotionally resonant artwork. They explore tangible steps toward sustainability: adding insulation, upgrading windows, installing heat pumps, updating appliances, and incorporating solar energy.
An augmented reality (AR) component connects viewers to government programs, incentives, and expert guidance, extending engagement beyond the physical site.
Workshops welcome multigenerational audiences and balance creative exploration with environmental education. Participants respond to prompts such as:
What can each of us do to build a sustainable future?
The project impacts more than aesthetics. Over twenty sessions, more than 2,000 residents actively engage with the installation. Public conversations and the AR platform continue to invite reflection after installation. By working collaboratively and engaging directly with data, participants internalize information, experience the joy of collective action, and contribute to a shared sustainability journey.