Patriotic artworks by local veterans at Waterford Town Hall celebrate the country’s 250th year of independenc

Waterford’s Town Hall main hallway is featuring an impressive collection of paintings and photos produced by four local veterans, the first of three art displays to be offered there during 2026 by the Waterford Historical Society.

A banner over the doors at the Town Hall entrance proclaims “We, the artists … celebrate our country’s 250th year of independence and the Town of Waterford’s 225th year of independence.” On behalf of the Town of Waterford, First Selectman Rob Brule is collaborating with the Waterford Historical Society to display artwork throughout 2026 in the main hallway of Town Hall, providing a place for local artists to celebrate our country and the signing of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago.

On view through April 17, inspirational patriotic and marine-themed paintings grace the hallways done by four veterans: Orlando Gengo, a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Navy; The Reverend Samuel Baez, who joined the Marines and served as a Captain in the U. S. Navy Chaplain Corps; Victor Gaska, who served in the U.S. Armed National Guard; and Marine Corps veteran Walter Whitesides, whose photographs reflect his love of travel. Biographies of each veteran are posted showing their records of service to the nation.

Beginning April 20, the Society’s 2026 “Art In Waterford: Past+Present+Future” juried art show selections will be on display featuring patriotic art by regional artists. Artwork selected by the jurors will hang in Town Hall for five months until September 17.

The Call for Artists states that artists “may depict any contemporary or historical aspect/representation of people, places, things, or impressions of Southeastern Connecticut that depict love of our country.” The deadline for submissions for “Art In Waterford” is February 20, 2026. Information and the application forms can be found at the Waterford Historical Society, Inc. website: waterfordcthistoricalsociety.org/2026-art-in-waterford.html.

Patriotic artwork by students from the Town’s elementary, middle and high schools will be displayed from September 21 to December 17.