2011 Year in review: Arts

Destiny Palmer, of the Traditions Remixed artist collective, adds a final touch to her artwork at the Arts in the Park Graffiti Arts Show at Clement Morgan Park in Cambridge. (Eric Esteves photo)

Dance Brazil premiered a new piece entitled “Batuke” during a one night only performance at Northeastern University on April 8, 2011. (Photo courtesy of Northeastern University)

The 32nd Annual Cambridge River Festival kicked off with a parade from Harvard Square to the Charles River, highlighting a giant-sized puppet replica of the famous Cambridge-based storyteller, Brother Blue. The Cambridge Arts Council packed a mile-long stretch along the river on Memorial Drive with multiple stages of live music, dance, theater, arts and crafts and an international food market. (Don West photo)

Kami Rushell Smith as Our Lady of the Spa in a scene from the SpeakEasy Stage Company production of “Nine.” (Craig Bailey/Perspective Photo)

Cast members perform a dance number in “The Gerswhins’ Porgy and Bess.” (Michael J. Lutch photo)

Choreographer Rolcan Gonzales Chavez’ “Kings of Salsa” honored Cuban performers at the Cutler Majestic Theater in October. (Photo courtesy of Kings of Salsa)

A grand finale tribute to New Orleans, the site of the 2012 National Urban League conference, provided an exciting ending to the national conference held in Boston in July. (Don West photo)

Pictured is an original work of Haiti PeaceQuilts, an art collective founded by Jeanne Staples. The organization seeks to eliminate poverty by supporting independent women’s quilting cooperatives. (Photo courtesy of PeaceQuilts)