Massive, 65-foot Turtle Calls Hartford Its Home

HARTFORD, CT — Guests to Connecticut's capital city might notice something massive — and awe-inspiring — at 289 Asylum St.

They can thank Hartford artist Tao LaBossiere for that.

That's because he recently unveiled his latest mural project, one featuring a giant baby eastern painted turtle in downtown Hartford.

It is titled “The Oneness of Being in Still Waters” and it is a building-size, 65-foot mural which, according to a release, "offers a deep meaning not only for the artist but to the city that he and his wife/partner Amy reside in."

Completed last month and officially unveiled Nov. 30, the mural is more than just an urban decoration.

LaBossiere, along with his wife Amy LaBossiere, operate "Art of Tao LaBossiere LLC," whose handiwork can be seen throughout Connecticut, especially the greater Hartford area.

The work was partially funded by the Free Center's Independent Artists Fund.

LaBossiere said he envisioned using a giant turtle to symbolize protection, strength, development and hope for the city of Hartford.

The Free Center is a Connecticut-based cultural nonprofit group that strives to improve and empower communities, with art one of many compnents.

“The inspiration for this metaphorical image comes from swimming in Still Waters Pond at my childhood home, and the home of many turtles,” said LaBossiere.

“When I swam underwater, I held my breath as long as possible. I traded my life’s hardships and chaos for inner peace and a spiritual connection with nature. Now, if I am ever struggling, I imagine myself underwater experiencing 'The Oneness of Being in Still Waters.'

"We have all been through a bit of darkness recently. I want anyone who sees my mural to feel safe in the present moment with a sense of hope for the future, rising up from the darkness into the light.”

Free Center officials said the project is a perfect complement to what the organization strives for.
“When we read through Tao’s mural proposal, we felt the soul and inspiration behind the vision. The layout was just lovely on its own. It had a sweetness about it as it alluded to the spirit of a city that is determined to rise. Then we noticed the subtle notes about Still Waters and the LaBossieres' journey in letting go to find the courage to hope. It's the dual message that won us over. This mural is both a personal and public message we believed was important to share,” said Rich Hollant, the founder of Free Center.

For more information on Tao and Amy LaBossiere, click on this link.

For more information on the Free Center, click on this link.