From Chris McCue –

Zullo Launches Invisible Art Exhibit with Augmented Reality

Medfield becomes AR canvas for “Evolution of a Small Town” show in which 20 experiences come to life via handheld devices.

Chris McCue,Community Contributor

Posted Sat, May 11, 2024 at 3:12 pm ET|Updated Sat, May 11, 2024 at 3:17 pm ET

Artist Ann Gorbett has created several AR experiences for the Zullo Gallery exhibit under the title of “Celebrating Medfield: Its History And Its Future.” For the one shown, she created historical images floating in spheres over Baker’s Pond. (Ann Gorbett)

Noah Paessel’s AR creation, “Ephemeral Forms,” was inspired by “Lake Nemi,” a painting by famous artist George Inness (1825-1894) whose historic home & studio is at 406 Main St. Visitors can experience the work from the sidewalk in front of the property. (Noah Paessel )

Artist Tatianya Keating created an explosion of color and abstract shapes in front of the Medfield Town House for her AR work, “Press Play,” inspired by the influence of community and action. (Tatianya Keating )

The Zullo Gallery serves as home for Duncan Reid’s AR piece, “Self-reflection of the Grandmother of Invention,” featuring a virtual astronaut that comes to life as a giant that can be moved around the gallery space. (Duncan Reid)

Historical images captured in balls floating over Baker’s Pond…the work of a famous artist coming to life in front of his former studio (now a historic site)…an astronaut and futuristic spy providing a sci-fi vibe — these are just examples of the 20 experiences around Medfield created by artists for the groundbreaking Zullo Gallery augmented reality (AR) exhibit, “Evolution of a Small Town.”

To help members of the public get the most out of the new exhibit, the Zullo at 456A Main St., offers a variety of opportunities to try out AR, learn about participating artists, and get information about viewing all the sites around town:

• On-site at the Zullo Gallery during regular hours — Saturdays and Sundays, 12 to 5 p.m.;
• A special “launch talk” at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16; and
• An artists’ reception at the gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 30.

The AR exhibit runs through Sunday, June 23, with nearly a dozen participating artists from the Greater Boston area who developed work to experience through a hand-held device, typically a cell phone or iPad.

Featured presenter for the free May 16 launch talk is Hoverlay co-founder Nicolas Robbe, who has been working with the Zullo and artists over many weeks to teach them about augmented reality, guide their work, and help the gallery with the innovative initiative funded by a grant from the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund. Acton-based Hoverlay specializes in the development and creative use of AR technology.

Zullo Gallery Executive Director Bill Pope noted that the talk will be especially useful for helping members of the public better understand AR and get guidance on using the free Hoverlay app so they can fully experience all of the exhibit sites. “We’re excited to expand artistic horizons by taking an exhibit out of the Zullo and literally bringing it to the streets of Medfield,” said Pope.

“As one of the first galleries to virtually expand into its community through augmented reality, the Zullo is pioneering a new way to bring local art directly to the public,” said Robbe. “This innovative approach not only transcends the physical boundaries of a gallery, but also forms a deeper connection between local artists and the community.”

Inside the Zullo itself, a variety of AR experiences are featured, including exhibits related to Medfield history, interactive drawings, and a larger-than-life astronaut that moves around the room.

Other artistic AR subjects as part of the exhibit, include:

• Former George Inness home and artist studio (“Lake Nemi” inspired virtual sculpture – 406 Main St.);
• Medfield Public Library/Gazebo (confetti celebration & sparkles – 468 Main St.);
• Medfield Historical Society & Main/North St. power box (Jack the Dog – 6 Pleasant St. & 478 Main St.);
• Medfield Town House (colorful interpretation of community & action – 459 Main St.);
• Rail Trail (train station theme – Farm Street intersection);
• Peak House Heritage Center (Colonial kitchen garden – 347 Main St.);
• Old Meetinghouse/First Parish UU church (ghostly experience – 26 North St.);
• Baker Pond (suspended balls over water with historic sites enclosed – North & Frairy St.);
• Medfield State Hospital (historical- & nature-themed works – Sledding Hill and Main Campus off Hospital Road, and MSH Cemetery off Rte. 27); and
• Bank of America (electric vehicle charging station – 406 Main St. parking lot).

Prior to visiting the sites, viewers should download the free Hoverlay AR browser app from Apple App Store, Google Play or via https://hoverlay.io/ZulloARCanvas.

Once the app is set and the viewer’s location is enabled, ZulloARCanvas becomes the launch site for all the Medfield experiences, complete with a map that marks the sites, and a built-in GPS to help direct users to the best viewing spot. (QR codes will soon be placed in certain locations.)

The artists showcased in the exhibit are:

• Polo Barrera
• Kathy Desmond
• Gail Fischer
• Ann Gorbett
• Tatianya Keating
• Michael Lewy
• Sasja Lucas
• Noah Paessel
• Duncan Reid
• Daniel Robartes
• Amy Schubert

The Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund is a professionally managed endowment created to support community-driven projects. Volunteer-run and designed to complement the initiatives of Medfield organizations, the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund raises private funds for public good.

Since 1988, the Zullo Gallery has hosted art exhibits, art classes, live music, community events, and private rental space. More information about the gallery is available at Zullogallery.org.