Healing Garden to Unveil New Outdoor Art Installation During Annual Perennial 5K Walk Fundraiser
Daymarc Foundation-funded installation by artist Susan Gentile expands the Healing Garden's commitment to creating spaces for reflection, connection, and healing in nature.
Harvard, MA, September 14, 2026 --(PR.com)-- The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center will invite the community to experience a new intersection of art, nature and healing this fall with the unveiling of Holding On to Summer, a new outdoor art installation by artist Susan Gentile.
The installation will be officially revealed during the Healing Garden's annual Perennial 5K Walk Fundraiser on Sunday, October 4, 2026, bringing together clients, families, supporters, and community members for an afternoon centered around connection, celebration, and the Healing Garden's mission of improving the quality of life for adults affected by cancer.
Made possible through the generous support of the Daymarc Foundation, the installation represents the Healing Garden's continued commitment to viewing its unique natural surroundings not simply as a backdrop for its work, but as an extension of the healing experience. Holding On to Summer invites guests who are able to explore more of the Healing Garden grounds beyond the immediate vicinity.
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 also offer something that can be harder to define: a place to slow down, breathe, reflect, and simply be.
The addition of Holding On to Summer builds upon that experience by intentionally incorporating art into the natural landscape as another opportunity for beauty, reflection, comfort, and hope.
“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.” — Tom Spataro, Executive Director, Virginia Thurston Healing Garden
An Installation Inspired by Resilience and Change
Created by artist Susan Gentile, Holding On to Summer draws inspiration from the resilience of late-summer plants. Plants that have adapted to endure intense sun, extreme heat, and depleted soil while continuing to grow.
The installation consists of eight painted metal sculptures created to emulate blooming flower beds. The pieces will be embedded throughout the Garden's grounds, growing visually alongside living flowers while remaining in place throughout every season. Over time, the painted steel will naturally weather and rust, intentionally making transformation part of the artwork itself.
The themes of resilience, transformation, beauty, and the changing seasons make the installation particularly meaningful within a place created to support individuals navigating the impact of cancer.
The project was funded by the Daymarc Foundation as part of a continued investment connecting the Healing Garden's outdoor grounds with the programs and experiences offered within it. The goal is not only to beautify the grounds, but to create additional opportunities for clients, families, and visitors to experience the restorative qualities of the Healing Garden's natural environment.
An Invitation to Experience the Healing Garden
The Healing Garden is using the unveiling as an opportunity to extend a special invitation beyond those already familiar with the organization.
Community members who have never visited the Healing Garden are encouraged to attend.
The annual Perennial 5K offers an opportunity to walk the grounds, experience the new installation, learn more about the Healing Garden's mission, and see firsthand the environment that has been created for adults affected by cancer and their loved ones.
The Perennial 5K Walk begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, followed by a community celebration from 2–4 p.m. featuring live music from The Highland Woods Project, alpacas from Harvard Alpaca Ranch, face painting, family activities, and the unveiling of the new installation.
Participants can 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 help the Healing Garden continue providing its programs at no or low cost.
Event Details
Event: Perennial 5K Walk Fundraiser & Holding On to Summer Art Installation Reveal
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center, Harvard, MA
Register for the Perennial 5K Walk Fundraiser - https://secure.qgiv.com/event/vthgwalk26/
The installation will be officially revealed during the Healing Garden's annual Perennial 5K Walk Fundraiser on Sunday, October 4, 2026, bringing together clients, families, supporters, and community members for an afternoon centered around connection, celebration, and the Healing Garden's mission of improving the quality of life for adults affected by cancer.
Made possible through the generous support of the Daymarc Foundation, the installation represents the Healing Garden's continued commitment to viewing its unique natural surroundings not simply as a backdrop for its work, but as an extension of the healing experience. Holding On to Summer invites guests who are able to explore more of the Healing Garden grounds beyond the immediate vicinity.
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 also offer something that can be harder to define: a place to slow down, breathe, reflect, and simply be.
The addition of Holding On to Summer builds upon that experience by intentionally incorporating art into the natural landscape as another opportunity for beauty, reflection, comfort, and hope.
“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.” — Tom Spataro, Executive Director, Virginia Thurston Healing Garden
An Installation Inspired by Resilience and Change
Created by artist Susan Gentile, Holding On to Summer draws inspiration from the resilience of late-summer plants. Plants that have adapted to endure intense sun, extreme heat, and depleted soil while continuing to grow.
The installation consists of eight painted metal sculptures created to emulate blooming flower beds. The pieces will be embedded throughout the Garden's grounds, growing visually alongside living flowers while remaining in place throughout every season. Over time, the painted steel will naturally weather and rust, intentionally making transformation part of the artwork itself.
The themes of resilience, transformation, beauty, and the changing seasons make the installation particularly meaningful within a place created to support individuals navigating the impact of cancer.
The project was funded by the Daymarc Foundation as part of a continued investment connecting the Healing Garden's outdoor grounds with the programs and experiences offered within it. The goal is not only to beautify the grounds, but to create additional opportunities for clients, families, and visitors to experience the restorative qualities of the Healing Garden's natural environment.
An Invitation to Experience the Healing Garden
The Healing Garden is using the unveiling as an opportunity to extend a special invitation beyond those already familiar with the organization.
Community members who have never visited the Healing Garden are encouraged to attend.
The annual Perennial 5K offers an opportunity to walk the grounds, experience the new installation, learn more about the Healing Garden's mission, and see firsthand the environment that has been created for adults affected by cancer and their loved ones.
The Perennial 5K Walk begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, followed by a community celebration from 2–4 p.m. featuring live music from The Highland Woods Project, alpacas from Harvard Alpaca Ranch, face painting, family activities, and the unveiling of the new installation.
Participants can 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 help the Healing Garden continue providing its programs at no or low cost.
Event Details
Event: Perennial 5K Walk Fundraiser & Holding On to Summer Art Installation Reveal
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center, Harvard, MA
Register for the Perennial 5K Walk Fundraiser - https://secure.qgiv.com/event/vthgwalk26/
Contact
Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center
Tom Spataro
(978) 456-3532
https://healinggardensupport.org
Tom Spataro
(978) 456-3532
https://healinggardensupport.org
Contact
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