Kayem and – Kayem, the Chelsea maker of Fenway Franks, is partnering with the Museum of Fine Arts Boston for a summer traveling art series that places hot dogs into iconic moments of American history. The work debuts June 4 at Faneuil Hall Marketplace and then moves throu
On June 4, at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the first audience will get an unlikely gift: a hot dog stepping into American history.
Kayem. the Chelsea-based company behind Fenway Franks. is launching a traveling art series with the Museum of Fine Arts Boston that reimagines iconic moments in U.S. history—hot dogs and all. The campaign is titled “There When It Mattered Most. ” created with the MFA Boston ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary.
The public debut comes as a one-day display on June 4 at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. After that, the hot dog-themed works are expected to travel to other locations around New England throughout the summer, the company said in a release.
One illustration takes its cue from Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington. depicting the first president holding a hot dog. Another featured work is titled “Fire in the Hole. ” and the release lists additional campaign pieces including “Benny Franks” and “Abigail Adams: First Lady of Second Helpings.”.
Matt Monkiewicz. president and CEO of Kayem Foods. said the company wanted “to celebrate the moment with an unexpected and fun campaign that highlights our connection to New England and our commitment to the food that makes these moments special.” He added that Kayem is “thrilled to be partnering with the MFA Boston and inviting people to see these historic works in a new and unique way that honors the hot dog. America’s most iconic food.”.
For museum-goers, the campaign doesn’t stop at pop-up sites. Select campaign works will be displayed at the MFA’s cafeteria from June 24 to July 24. Visitors can also see the original artworks in the museum’s newly reopened 18th-century Art of the Americas wing beginning June 19.
As the series moves through the region, the stops are built around both tourism and local favorite destinations. The release says the traveling works will appear at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport from June 15 to June 21, and at Cisco Brewers in Boston’s Seaport from June 22 to June 24.
Fenway Park is next on the list: the series will stop at Fenway Park’s Gate A from June 25 to June 26. Later summer dates include stops at the American Independence Museum in Exeter, New Hampshire, and Narragansett Brewing Taproom in Providence.
Kayem is pairing the art with a limited-edition product for the campaign. The company will offer a Cannon Fire Hot Dog described as a smoky, spicy take on the classic. The four-pack is being sold for $2.50 at retailers across New England, according to Kayem.
The campaign is rolling out from a company with a long local track record. Kayem was founded in 1909 and is known for Fenway Franks. It is also the official hot dog of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and Boston Bruins.
For one month of summer schedule-making—from early June through July—visitors will be invited to look at familiar American figures through a decidedly untraditional lens. And for many, the novelty won’t be just the idea of hot dogs in history. It will be seeing how quickly the region’s favorite snack can land in places normally reserved for the most serious art.
Kayem Fenway Franks Museum of Fine Arts Boston hot dog art There When It Mattered Most 250th anniversary Faneuil Hall Marketplace Gilbert Stuart George Washington hot dog Cannon Fire Hot Dog