The Beach Times
What's the Story Behind the Blue Trees in Cotuit?
Posted by Kinlin Grover | Monday, March 16, 2020
If you drive down Massachusetts Route 28 in Cotuit, you'll notice something very peculiar outside the Cahoon Museum of American Art.
That's because in the middle of this historic section of the village is a collection of blue trees. These trees aren't subtle at all, as their vibrant blue tone stands out against the museum's classic Cape Cod architecture, making passersby wonder what exactly is going on in Cotuit.
Well, it should without saying that the trees are not natural; they are covered with paint.
The paint is chalk-based, water-soluble, and environmentally safe, however, and is part of a project by internationally renowned artist Konstantin Dimopoulos.
The Cahoon Museum of American Art commissioned Dimopoulos to install this work of art as a commentary on the effects of deforestation on the planet. Similar pieces are present in Germany, England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, in addition to other American cities, making Cotuit part of a global movement.
Make sure you stop by the museum when you travel to Cape Cod for a look at something you'll never witness in nature: blue trees.
Who is Konstantin Dimopoulos?
To understand The Blue Trees Project, it's best to get to know Konstantin Dimopoulos, a social artist, and sculptor who uses his artwork to engage in sociological, ecological, and humanist discussions, while encouraging socio-environmental change. Basically, he wants to save the planet and uses his art to get people talking about it.
So far, Dimopoulos' projects have been widely successful, notably The Blue Trees, where he creates a surreal environment in nature to draw attention to it. The trees typically blend into the rest of Cotuit's landscape, but when they're blue, people notice them.
Dimopoulos is also responsible for The Purple Rain, where he painted purple dots on buildings and sidewalks in Melbourne, Australia, as a commentary on homelessness. Each dot has the name of a homeless individual, in addition to a QR code that those passing through can scan to learn about that person's story. The idea is that homelessness, much like rain, arrives as a downpour. Dimopoulos hopes to humanize the homeless, raising awareness in the process.
Seeing the Blue Trees
There's good news and bad news when it comes to Cotuit's blue trees. The good news, as mentioned before, is that the paint used is water-soluble and, therefore, will wash away in the years to come. The speed by which the color deteriorates depends on local precipitation but, rest assured, the paint will wash away.
The bad news is that the washable paint means that the exhibit is only temporary, and there's no telling how long it'll be there for you to see.
Whether you're a fan of conceptual and social art, so you've simply never seen a blue tree before, it's best to get to Cotuit as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Other Exhibits at the Gallery
Once you arrive at the Cahoon Museum of American Art, you'll realize that The Blue Trees aren't the only exhibit sitting outside of its doors.
In fact, the museum has an entire Streetside Series that you can check out without having to pay admission to the venue.
There are two bronze sculptures outside the building called "Head of the Cod" and "Tail of the Fish" that symbolize the historical, economic, and ecological significance of Atlantic cod in New England. The sculptures are outside the west entrance of the museum and are worth a look if you're in the area.
Another addition to the Streetside Series is called "Garden Grove," and it features sculptures by local artist Alfred Glover. The sculptures are a cluster of trees with leaves featuring depictions of dogs, flowers, baby birds, and other animals. All of the sculptures are created using recycled fuel tanks and are visible from the street.
Heading Inside
While you're looking outside of the Cahoon Museum of American Art, you might be tempted to head inside. And who wouldn't want to visit the Crocker House, which was built in 1782 and was once a local tavern?
Once inside, you'll find both historical and modern exhibits from local and national artists, making it a must-see while in Cotuit.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and free for members and children under 12. Annual membership is $40 for an individual, $60 for a couple, and $100 for a family. There are also artists and student memberships available for $25.
The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM, and Sundays between 1:00 and 4:00 PM during the high season.
If you're spending your vacation in the Cotuit area, make the Cahoon Museum of American Art part of your travel itinerary because you'll see original works of art just minutes from your Cape Cod vacation rental.
Cotuit Museums Things To Do On Cape Cod
- 4th Of July (2)
- 6a Brewing Company (1)
- Abba (1)
- Academy Of Performing Arts In Orleans (1)
- Activities (11)
- Animals On Cape Cod (1)
- Antique Shopping On Cape Cod (2)
- Antiques (2)
- Aqua Bar (1)
- Aquarium (1)
- Arnolds Lobster Clam Bar (1)
- Art Galleries (3)
- Arts On Cape Cod (2)
- Ashumet Holly And Wildlife Sanctuary (1)
- Atlantic Spice Company (1)
- Aw (1)
- Bad Martha (1)
- Badlands (1)
- Bakeries (2)
- Bakers Pond (1)
- Bananas (1)
- Barnstable (6)
- Barnstable Bats (2)
- Barnstable Brewing (1)
- Barnstable Villlage (1)
- Bass River (2)
- Bbc (1)
- Beach (1)
- Beach Yoga (1)
- Beaches (4)
- Beanstock (1)
- Beer (2)
- Bells Neck Conservation Area (1)
- Ben Bills Chocolate Emporium (1)
- Berta Walker Gallery (1)
- Bicycle Rentals (1)
- Bicycles (1)
- Bike Paths (8)
- Biking (5)
- Birding (2)
- Birds On Cape Cod (2)
- Birdwatching (1)
- Blue Heron Gallery (1)
- Blue Rock Golf Course (1)
- Boats (1)
- Bocce Italian Grill (1)
- Book Direct (1)
- Bourne (1)
- Breakfast (1)
- Breakwater Beach Brewster (2)
- Brew Run (1)
- Brewster (9)
- Brewster Beaches (2)
- Brick Block Ice Cream Shop (1)
- British Beer Company (1)
- Buffys Ice Cream (1)
- Burdick Art Gallery (1)
- Butterflies (1)
- Buzzards Bay (1)
- Cape Cod (18)
- Cape Cod Architecture (1)
- Cape Cod Baseball (1)
- Cape Cod Beach Chair Company (1)
- Cape Cod Beaches (3)
- Cape Cod Beer (3)
- Cape Cod Bike Races (1)
- Cape Cod Brew Bus (1)
- Cape Cod Breweries (1)
- Cape Cod Central Railroad (1)
- Cape Cod Chocolatier (1)
- Cape Cod Coffee (1)
- Cape Cod Country Club (1)
- Cape Cod Festivals (3)
- Cape Cod Fishing (2)
- Cape Cod Gifts (1)
- Cape Cod Golfing (2)
- Cape Cod Hiking (5)
- Cape Cod Hotels (1)
- Cape Cod National Seashore (2)
- Cape Cod Nightlife (1)
- Cape Cod Pathways (1)
- Cape Cod Ponds (3)
- Cape Cod Potato Chips (2)
- Cape Cod Rail Trail (3)
- Cape Cod Restaurants (2)
- Cape Cod Sandwich Shops (1)
- Cape Cod Shopping (1)
- Cape Cod Spas (1)
- Cape Cod Theatre Company (1)
- Cape Cod Vacation (2)
- Cape Cod Weddings (1)
- Cape Playhouse (1)
- Cape Symphony (1)
- Capeside Kitchen (1)
- Captain Bangs Hallet House (1)
- Captain Parkers Pub (1)
- Captain Penniman House (2)
- Captains Mile (1)
- Celeste Fine Arts Gallery (1)
- Celtic Christmas (1)
- Centerville (1)
- Centerville Pie (1)
- Chapin Beach (1)
- Charter Boats (1)
- Chatham (16)
- Chatham Anglers (1)
- Chatham Beaches (2)
- Chatham Dining (2)
- Chatham Lighthouse Beach (1)
- Chatham Orpheum Theater (1)
- Chatham Penny Candy (1)
- Chatham Squire (1)
- Chatham Wine Bar (1)
- Chequesset Inn (1)
- Chequessett Chocolate (2)
- Cherry Stone Galelry (1)
- Childrens Activities (1)
- Chocolatasm (1)
- Christmas (3)
- Christmas Concerts (1)
- Christmas On Cape Cod (2)
- Christmas Performances (1)
- Christmas Stroll (2)
- Cinema Pub (1)
- Clam Shacks (2)
- Cleat Anchor (1)
- Coast Guard Beach (1)
- Cobies (1)
- Coffee (6)
- Coffee Shops (4)
- Columbus Weekend (1)
- Concerts (1)
- Conservation Area (1)
- Cotuit (1)
- Country Store (1)
- Cove Gallery (1)
- Craft Beer (1)
- Craigville Beach (1)
- Cranberry Valley Golf Course (1)
- Crosby Boatworks (1)
- Crosby Mansion (1)
- Crowes Pasture (1)
- Crown Anchor (1)
- Crystal Lake (1)
- Dairy Queen (2)
- Day Trip (1)
- Dennis (9)
- Dennis Port Lobster Company (1)
- Dennis Public Market (1)
- Dennis Village (1)
- Dennisport (1)
- Devils Purse (1)
- Dining (1)
- Dinner Train (1)
- Dog Friendly Cape Cod (2)
- Dogs (1)
- Drivein Movie (2)
- Duck Pond (1)
- Eastham (3)
- Eastham Hiking Club (1)
- Edward Gorey (1)
- Eel Pond (1)
- Emack And Bolios (1)
- Embargo (1)
- Fall (2)
- Fall Festivals (2)
- Falmouth (11)
- Falmouth Harbor (1)
- Family Fun (1)
- Farmers Market (1)
- Festivals (3)
- Film Festivals (1)
- Fireworks (1)
- Fishing (1)
- Fishing Charters (1)
- Flea Markets (1)
- Flynns Irish Pub (1)
- Food Trucks (1)
- Fort Hill (1)
- Fort Wing House (1)
- Four Seas Ice Cream (1)
- Fried Clams (1)
- Front Porch Gallery (1)
- Frying Pan Gallery (1)
- Getting To Ptown (1)
- Golf (2)
- Goose Pond (1)
- Great Island Trail (1)
- Halloween On Cape Cod (1)
- Halloween Parades (1)
- Harbor Lounge (1)
- Hardings Beach Chatham (1)
- Harmon Gallery (1)
- Harvest Gallery Wine Bar (1)
- Harwich (9)
- Harwich Beaches (1)
- Haunted Cape Cod (2)
- Hawksnest Pond (1)
- Head Of The Meadow (1)
- Heritage Halloween Family Festival (1)
- Hidden Restaurants (3)
- Highfield Hall (2)
- Highland Golf Links (2)
- Highland Light (1)
- Hiking (5)
- Hog Island (1)
- Holiday Strolls (1)
- Hortense Kelly (1)
- Hoxie House (1)
- Hyannis (5)
- Hyanns (1)
- Ice Cream (4)
- Ice Skating (1)
- Improper Bostonian (1)
- Independent Fermentations Brewing (1)
- Jackknife Cove (1)
- Jake Rooneys (1)
- Jasons Tavern (1)
- Jazz (1)
- Jerrys Seafood (1)
- Jfk (1)
- Jfk Memorial (1)
- Joon Bar (1)
- Jts Seafood Restaurant (1)
- July 4th (2)
- Karoo (1)
- Kayaking On Cape Cod (1)
- Kettle Ponds (1)
- Kids (5)
- Kinlin Grover Vacation Rentals (7)
- Kreme N Kone (1)
- Lazy Sundaes (1)
- Left Bank Gallery (1)
- Lighthouse Cafe (1)
- Lobster (2)
- Lobster Chocolate (1)
- Lobster Rolls (2)
- Local Break (1)
- Local Eats (3)
- Local Flavor (2)
- Long Nook Beach (1)
- Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary (1)
- Longnook Beach (1)
- Lower Cape (1)
- Lukes Love Playground (1)
- Lunch (1)
- Maddocks Gallery (1)
- Mahoneys Atlantic Bar And Grill (1)
- Main Street Galleries (1)
- Marconi Beach (2)
- Marconi Beach Restaurant (1)
- Marion (2)
- Marthas Vineyard (1)
- Marylous (1)
- Mashpee Commons (1)
- Mattapoisett (1)
- Mayflower Beach (1)
- Micah Pond (1)
- Mini Golf (4)
- Monomoy (1)
- Morrells Restaurant (1)
- Mountain Biking (1)
- Movie Theaters (1)
- Museums (3)
- Nantucket (1)
- National Plan For Vacation Day (1)
- Naukabout (1)
- Nauset Beach (2)
- Nauset Marsh (2)
- New Years Resolution (1)
- Nickerson State Park (3)
- Nirvana (1)
- Noreast Beer Garden (1)
- Off Main Gallery (1)
- Offcape (1)
- Offroading (1)
- Old Colony Rail Trail (1)
- Old Colony Tap (1)
- Old Kings Highway (3)
- Old Silver Beach (1)
- Onset (2)
- Opera (1)
- Orleans (8)
- Osterville (4)
- Otis Trails (1)
- Outdoor Adventures (1)
- Outdoor Music (1)
- Outer Cape (3)
- Outer Cape Chorale (1)
- Paddleboarding (1)
- Pain Davignon (1)
- Pamet Area Trails (1)
- Pan Mass Challenge (1)
- Parades (1)
- Payomet (1)
- Pb Boulangerie Bistro (2)
- Peddlers Restaurant (1)
- Perks Coffee (1)
- Pet Friendly (1)
- Pets (1)
- Pilgrim Lake (1)
- Pilgrims (1)
- Piping Plovers (1)
- Pleasant Road Beach Harwich (1)
- Pmc (1)
- Pondfront Rentals (1)
- Provincetown (11)
- Provincetown Brewing Company (2)
- Provincetown Fudge Factory (1)
- Provincetown Ghost Tours (1)
- Race Point (2)
- Races (1)
- Rail (1)
- Red Barn Pizza (1)
- Red Cottage Restaurant (1)
- Red Maple Swamp Trail (1)
- Red River Beach Harwich (1)
- Rentals (1)
- Restaurants (6)
- Rideaway (1)
- Ridge Club (1)
- Ridgevale Beach Chatham (1)
- Rochester (1)
- Route 6a (1)
- Ruggies Breakfast And Lunch (1)
- Running (1)
- Sagamore (1)
- Sailing (1)
- Sand Dollar Bar (1)
- Sandwich (6)
- Sandwich Boardwalk (1)
- Sandwiches (1)
- Sandy Neck (2)
- Sandy Pond (1)
- Sapori Ditalia (1)
- Scargo Pottery (1)
- Schoolhouse Ice Cream (1)
- Sea Dog Brew Pub (1)
- Seafood (1)
- Seafood Restaurant (1)
- Seafood Sams (1)
- Shankpainter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary (1)
- Shining Sea Bikeway (1)
- Sir Crickets Fish Chips (1)
- Skaket Beach (1)
- Skipper Restaurant (1)
- Smith Tavern (1)
- Smittys Ice Cream (1)
- Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters (2)
- Somerset Creamery (1)
- South Beach (1)
- South Beach Shrine (1)
- South Coast (1)
- South Dartmouth (1)
- South Dennis (1)
- South Hollow Spirits (1)
- Southcoast Ma (1)
- Spas (1)
- Spring Festivals (1)
- Spruce Hill Conservation Area (1)
- Starbucks (1)
- Steve Sues (1)
- Struna Gallery (1)
- Subs Sandwiches (1)
- Summer (2)
- Summer Concerts (1)
- Summer Festivals (2)
- Sundae School (1)
- Sundancers (1)
- Sup (1)
- Swan River Market (1)
- Swimming (1)
- Taylor Bray Farm (1)
- Ten Pin Eatery (1)
- The Cape Club (1)
- The Daily Paper (1)
- The Kennedys (2)
- The Knack (1)
- The Liberte (1)
- The Merc (1)
- The Red Nun (1)
- The Underground (1)
- Theater (1)
- Things To Do On Cape Cod (6)
- Three Fins Coffee Roasters (1)
- Tilden Arts Center (1)
- Torino (1)
- Trail Of Tears (1)
- Trains (1)
- Traveling To Provincetown (1)
- Truro (7)
- Truro Vineyards (1)
- Tugboats (1)
- Underground Art Gallery (1)
- Vacation (9)
- Vacation Home (1)
- Van Rensselaers Restaurant (1)
- Veterans Field (1)
- Vineyards (1)
- Wareham (1)
- Water Parks (2)
- Waterfront Rentals (1)
- Weatherdeck Restaurant (1)
- Wedding Venues On Cape Cod (1)
- Weddings On Cape Cod (1)
- Wellfleet (11)
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife (1)
- Wellfleet Town Clock (1)
- Wellflleet Drivein (1)
- Wequaquet Lake (1)
- West Barnstable (1)
- Westport (1)
- Whale Watch (1)
- Where To Eat In Chatham (2)
- Where To Eat In Falmouth (4)
- Where To Eat In Osterville (1)
- Where To Eat In Truro (1)
- Whoi (1)
- Wildlife (1)
- Wineries (1)
- Winslow Crocker House (1)
- Winter Festivals (1)
- Woods Hole (1)
- Woods Hole Aquarium (2)
- Yarmouth (6)
- Yarmouth Port (3)
- Yarmouth Seaside Festival (1)
- Year Round (2)
- Yoga (1)
- Zoo (1)
Browse the Archive
-
2019 (52)
- December (4)
- November (3)
- October (4)
- September (5)
- August (5)
- July (9)
- The Top 5 Coffee Shops in Yarmouth
- All Aboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad
- Places to Take Your Dog on Cape Cod
- Getting to Know Eastham's Fort Hill Trail
- Wellfleet: The Art Gallery Town
- Here Are Some Places to See Animals on Cape Cod
- The Top 5 Local Markets in Dennis
- Cape Cod's Unique Architecture
- Exploring the Cape's Secret Swimming Holes
- June (6)
- May (5)
- April (2)
- March (2)
- February (3)
- January (4)