Hartford Dedicates Massive, Historic Mural In The City

HARTFORD, CT — A bit of history was made in Connecticut's capital city Thursday as one massive mural was officially dedicated by city and state leaders.

The Greater Hartford Arts Council, along with a who's who of Connecticut legislators, members of the congressional delegation and city officials, officially unveiled New England’s tallest mural.

It is called "Reawakening Wonder" and it reaches 170 feet, 18 stories high, and "is a true beacon of hope and wonder," according to the GHAC.

The massive mural, which is located on a Morgan Street building, was created by artist Michael Rice, who explained what it meant to him.

“It’s being dubbed as the tallest mural in New England and I’m certainly proud and honored to help bring that notoriety to the City of Hartford," said Rice. “When I look at the mural, I see a local 10-year-old child named Sam, whose soul is magical and radiates with a glow of innocence and curiosity. My hope is that this wall will help reawaken the hibernating inner child within each of us, for we can all learn a lot from Sam. I know I have.”

The mural is a part of the Hartford Creates program, a collaboration between the arts council and the City of Hartford.

Additional support from the Shelbourne and the Roberts Foundation helped to make this work of art possible.

“Hartford is a center of arts and culture in the region, and we’re so proud to now be home to the biggest mural in New England,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. “Hartford is a beautiful, vibrant, creative community and we think public art is a really important part of celebrating that creative spirit and spreading that energy across our city."

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont echoed those sentiments at the dedication ceremony.

“Connecticut has amazingly talented artists and there is no better way to showcase this creative energy than with the largest mural in all of New England,” said Lamont. “Public art is important because it not only creates beauty for our eyes to enjoy, but it also generates a sense of community, belonging and civic contribution that makes us proud of where we live."

Lamont praised Rice, as did Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.

“It’s been a joy to watch the progression of Michael Rice’s work over these past few months and I’m thrilled to take part in the official unveiling,” said Bysiewicz. “We’ve felt a lot of darkness over the past few years and this mural – bursting with color and the feeling of childlike wonder – gives a bit of brightness to the community.”

“This beautiful mural shows us how art brings communities together,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. “ For generations to come, people are going to see this mural when they enter Hartford and appreciate its wonder and awe."

Some of the funding for the project came vial the American Rescue Plan Act, a post-pandemic program aimed at community enhancement for hard-hit municipalities in the Covid crisis.

“With funds we secured in Congress through the American Rescue Plan, Hartford Creates has supported numerous projects to enhance public art displays, cross-cultural connections and new jobs across the City,” said U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1st District. “Today’s unveiling is a milestone for this program. Hartford is now home to New England’s largest mural display.”

For more information on the Greater Hartford Arts Council, visit this link.