Arlington’s newest public art exhibition honors the ordinary people of Arlington — then called Menotomy — people who faced a choice in times where an increasingly autocratic king and parliament were creating tensions that careened toward a breaking point. Unseen/Unforgotten is an installation of 5 pedestals that resemble the neoclassical pedestals familiar from commemorative sculpture honoring American heroes and leaders. But these pedestals are inscribed with the common occupations of ordinary people: farmer, carpenter, midwife, miller, and teacher. Artist Chris Frost invites the visitor to envision themselves in their shoes. To think “what would I do,” given similar circumstances? “Would I step up?” In these politically challenging times, it’s easier than ever to question what fighting the establishment might look like.
Men, women, people of English, African, and indigenous heritage — ordinary people, many of whom were self-sufficient farmers, regular folks — were sympathetic to the rebel cause and opposed to the heavy-handed policies handed down from the British King. As tensions grew, the people of Menotomy chose either to stand by, or to fight tyranny. When the violence started on April 19, 1775, the decisions regular people made are the background for what became the war for independence, the battles at Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy.
Chris Frost is a sculptor living and working in Somerville, MA. His work has been exhibited and collected in museums and art institutions throughout the New England area. This project, on view until September 2026, was made possible by funding from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. Installation was supported by a generous contribution from Intelligent Labor & Moving Company of Arlington. This project was supported by Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture Public Art Curator, Cecily Miller and the Robbins Library.
You can view more images and information about this project here!
