Artist in Residence Program

The Friends of Newton Cemetery & Arboretum establishes the Kayla Hardy Artist in Residence Program

The Friends of Newton Cemetery & Arboretum is pleased to announce the launch of the first official Artist in Residence (AiR) program. This residency offers an artist the opportunity to create original work inspired by Newton’s garden cemetery landscape, history, and mission of remembrance and reflection.

The Artist in Residence will have access to the grounds as both studio and subject, engaging with the unique environment of a working cemetery and accredited arboretum. Through their work, the artist will help interpret the Cemetery’s role as a place of beauty, memory, and community.

The residency will culminate in a public program and exhibition, inviting visitors to experience the cemetery through the artist’s perspective. By connecting art and place, this program seeks to foster dialogue, inspire reflection, and deepen appreciation for the Cemetery as both a cultural and natural resource.

Kayla Anne Hardy (1986-2016) was Newton Cemetery’s first artist-in-residence, although there was no formal program at the time. While an intern at Newton Cemetery & Arboretum, Kayla documented, researched, and photographed all the mausolea that were in place at the time and turned that information into a beautiful handbound book of her own design. Kayla was a gifted photographer, graphic designer, and artist who drew energy and inspiration from the landscape at Newton Cemetery & Arboretum.

We look forward to sharing more details about the program, upcoming events, and the application process for next year.

_{Martin mausoleum stained glass photo by Kayla Hardy}¹