Renowned Muralist Selected For Stamford Train Station Garage Project

STAMFORD, CT — The City of Stamford and the Connecticut Department of Transportation have announced that muralist Rafael Blanco has been chosen to design and paint a large-scale mural on the parking garage at the Stamford Train Station.

The project is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and funded through a public-private partnership that includes contributions from the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Charter Communications, Building & Land Technology, Deloitte, NBC Sports, and Ernst & Young.

Blanco’s selection followed a competitive request-for-proposals process, led by the Stamford Arts and Culture Commission in collaboration with RiseUP for Arts, a Connecticut-based nonprofit focused on public art and placemaking. The selection process included public input, with Blanco’s mural concept receiving the highest number of community votes.

A native of Alicante, Spain, Blanco is known for his large murals that explore themes such as identity, diversity, and human expression. His work has been installed in cities across the U.S., from California to New York. Stamford marks the latest addition to his national portfolio.

Blanco, who began his career in classical studio painting before shifting to public art in 2014, holds an MFA in painting and drawing and has taught at the university level. He is also an advocate for the power of public art and has delivered talks on the subject, including a TEDx presentation.

The mural project is intended to beautify the transportation hub and promote a sense of cultural appreciation within the community. Blanco’s focus on site-specific installations is expected to create a piece that reflects the character and diversity of Stamford.

An announcement from Mayor Caroline Simmons' Office noted the completed work will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

During the mural installation, intermittent access restrictions may affect parts of the garage located at Station Place and Atlantic Street. While the garage will remain open, commuters are encouraged to plan ahead and monitor city updates for any temporary changes.