Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Unveils New Art Installation During Perennial 5K
News related to:Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center · 2 min read
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center is set to unveil a new outdoor art installation during its annual Perennial 5K Walk Fundraiser on October 4, 2026. The installation, titled "Holding On to Summer," is a creation by artist Susan Gentile and is funded by the Daymarc Foundation.
The artwork, which consists of eight painted metal sculptures embedded throughout the garden's grounds, is designed to emulate blooming flower beds. These pieces will grow visually alongside living flowers, remaining in place through all seasons. Over time, the painted steel will naturally weather and rust, making transformation an integral part of the artwork itself.
The installation aims to inspire themes of resilience, transformation, beauty, and the changing seasons, aligning with the Healing Garden's mission to provide healing and comfort to adults affected by cancer. "It all started with Ginny's outdoor meditation garden. The guiding principle of everything we do is healing, indoors or out. Whether it's our amazing programs, or just being present in nature on our beautiful campus, we're here to provide healing and comfort. This new sculpture encourages our guests to take a moment to reflect in nature and find that moment of peace and healing," said Tom Spataro, the Healing Garden's Executive Director.
The unveiling of "Holding On to Summer" will take place during the Perennial 5K Walk Fundraiser, which begins at 1 p.m. on October 4. The event will feature live music from The Highland Woods Project, alpacas from Harvard Alpaca Ranch, face painting, family activities, and the official reveal of the new installation. The Perennial 5K offers an opportunity for community members to explore the Healing Garden's grounds, experience the new installation, and learn more about the organization's mission.
The Healing Garden provides a variety of programs, services, and opportunities for connection at no or low cost to adults affected by cancer. Its beautiful grounds offer a place to slow down, breathe, reflect, and simply be. The addition of "Holding On to Summer" builds upon this experience by intentionally incorporating art into the natural landscape, providing another opportunity for beauty, reflection, comfort, and hope.
The Perennial 5K Walk Fundraiser is a chance for participants to create a team, walk individually, support another participant's team, or complete their walk or bike ride independently and then join the October 4 celebration. Funds raised through the event will help the Healing Garden continue providing its programs at no or low cost.
The Healing Garden invites community members who have never visited the organization to attend the event and experience the new installation. The annual Perennial 5K Walk Fundraiser is a celebration of connection, community, and the Healing Garden's commitment to improving the quality of life for adults affected by cancer.