BOSTON — The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy is bringing internationally acclaimed topiary artist Michael P. Gibson to Boston this summer for a large-scale living sculpture installation that will transform shrubbery in Dewey Square into evolving works of horticultural art.
Beginning the week of May 11 and continuing through the summer and early fall, Gibson will sculpt select plantings onsite along The Greenway, allowing residents, commuters, and visitors to witness the artistic process unfold in real time. The installation is part of the Conservancy’s broader effort to combine public art, landscape design, and community engagement within one of Boston’s most visited urban parks.
Known for pioneering contemporary topiary design, Gibson has spent more than three decades creating living sculptures across the United States. Through what he calls the “Gibson Method,” his work blends geometry, symbolism, and storytelling to transform traditional topiary into a modern artistic medium. Over the course of his career, he has created more than 700 living sculptures and has been featured on HGTV’s “Clipped” alongside Martha Stewart. He also served as the first Artist-in-Residence at the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden.
The installation coincides with another major public art project underway in Dewey Square — the creation of “The Midnight Ride,” a large-scale mural by acclaimed artist Rixy. Together, the projects reflect The Greenway Conservancy’s vision of public art extending beyond traditional forms to include both painted surfaces and cultivated landscapes.
“This collaboration reflects the kind of ambitious, world-class horticultural programming we are proud to bring to The Greenway,” said Brian Gibbons, Director of Horticulture for the Greenway Conservancy. He noted that the project highlights how urban green spaces can serve both ecological and artistic purposes while encouraging visitors to engage more intentionally with the natural environment.
Gibson said the opportunity to create the installation in Boston during the city’s 250th anniversary year carries particular significance.
“My hope is that this project brings moments of wonder, curiosity, and reflection into people’s everyday lives, while encouraging them to see the landscape around them differently,” Gibson said. “Living sculpture reminds us that transformation is possible — in landscapes, communities, and ourselves.”
Visitors will be able to observe Gibson during multiple live sculpting sessions throughout the season. The Greenway Conservancy also plans to host a public Q&A event later this year, offering attendees an opportunity to learn more about topiary artistry, horticultural techniques, and the creative process behind the installation.
The Rose Kennedy Greenway, managed by the nonprofit Greenway Conservancy, welcomes millions of visitors annually and has become a major destination for public art, horticulture, and cultural programming in downtown Boston.
