Finished and installed at Chestnut Hill Square
By Donald Longley
After weeks of shaping, welding, and sanding, the Mayflower sculpture is now complete — and installed at Chestnut Hill Square, thanks to the generous support of Northeast Development and the New Art Center.
This piece started as a simple idea: take the soft, easily overlooked mayflower — the state flower of Massachusetts — and translate it into something permanent. Something bold. Something made of steel.
At 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide, this sculpture commands attention. Five large petals bloom outward from a 16-inch center, each one formed by hand. The steel was bent, tacked, welded, ground smooth, then left unfinished — allowing the piece to weather and rust naturally over time. It will change with the seasons, just like the bloom it’s based on.
The sculpture is installed along the upper sidewalk of Chestnut Hill Square, above the parking lot. It’s visible, approachable, and open to the public — which is exactly how I want my work to live.
About the Flower
The mayflower (Epigaea repens) is one of the first blooms to push through after winter. It grows close to the forest floor, small and subtle, but full of meaning. It’s a flower about persistence. Quiet strength. New beginnings. Those qualities felt worth honoring.
This sculpture isn’t delicate, though. It’s made from raw steel — reclaimed, reshaped, and anchored in place. The flower rests within a hand-built frame, offset to the right, with some petals reaching the edge — a deliberate tension between chaos and order.
Acknowledging the Support
Public work like this doesn’t happen in a vacuum. I’m incredibly grateful to both sponsoring organizations:
- Chestnut Hill Square – Northeast Development
For making space for public art and supporting its presence in a retail environment. - New Art Center
For their continued efforts to elevate local artists and bring contemporary art into public spaces.
Their partnership made this installation possible.
Visit the Sculpture
📍 Chestnut Hill Square
200 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA
You’ll find the sculpture on the upper-level walkway, near the public art installations.
If you’re in the area, I’d love for you to stop by, snap a photo, and tag me on Instagram @hercworx.
Interested in a Commission?
I create large-scale, site-specific sculptures across New England — all hand-built from reclaimed and raw materials. Each piece is designed to live with its environment and tell a story. If you’re interested in commissioning work for a public space, business, or private collection, I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for following the process — and stay tuned for what’s next.