Community Mural in Newhallville

An Awesome Mural

by Kelsey Sullivan, Resident Engagement AmeriCorps VISTA Member

The new community mural would replace this current mural along the Farmington Canal Trail.

Last week, NHS’ Community Building and Organizing team was thrilled to learn that we are the latest recipients of a $1,000 grant from the Connecticut chapter of the Awesome Foundation!

The Awesome Foundation is a truly unique network of localized chapters whose trustees pool their own money to fund community projects.  The awesome project that earned the Awesome Foundation’s grant is a community mural collaboration between NHS and local entrepreneur and artist, Kwadwo Adae. Mr. Adae is the founder, director, and head instructor of the Adae Fine Art Academy in the Ninth Square district of downtown New Haven. He has agreed to lend his artistic vision in helping us to develop a new community mural along the Farmington Canal Greenway in Newhallville, and to engage local residents throughout the planning and implementation process. Neighbors living nearby will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the initial sketching and design of the new mural, and local children will be invited to help with some of the painting early this summer.

We are excited to be recognized by an innovative community-based funding network, and we look forward to the ideas, inspiration, and meaningful outcomes that we know will arise from our collaboration with Mr. Adae and the Newhallville residents!