West Hartford Celebrates New Mural Honoring Deaf Community

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A new public mural celebrating Connecticut’s deaf, deafblind and hard-of-hearing communities was unveiled June 15 at Blue Back Square, highlighting the importance of communication access, representation and inclusion.

The project was funded through a matching grant from Sustainable CT and support from nearly 80 donors who contributed to bringing the artwork to life.

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Created by Hartford-based muralist Michael Rice, with assistance from local muralist Brian Wentworth, the mural recognizes the history, culture and communication diversity of deaf, deafblind and hard-of-hearing individuals across Connecticut.

The artwork features an image of Laurent Clerc, a pioneering educator widely regarded as a founder of Deaf education in the United States.

It also depicts children using a variety of communication methods, including American Sign Language, hearing aids, and cochlear implants.

A portrait of a DeafBlind community member communicating through tactile American Sign Language is also included.

Project organizers said authenticity and community involvement were central to the mural’s development.

Rice worked with deaf and hard-of-hearing residents, students and educators throughout the creative process.

He met with children from West Hartford Public Schools to discuss communication access and collaborated with Christine Ferreira, an art teacher at The American School for the Deaf.

Ferreira contributed directly to the mural by painting the section featuring a young boy using a walker and FM system, adding both her artistic perspective and personal connection to the project.

The mural reflects the mission of West Hartford Public Schools Deaf Services, which supports more than 80 students and emphasizes respect for each student’s preferred method of communication.

Organizers said the project will continue this fall with a second phase that includes the installation of a tactile replica of the mural designed for DeafBlind community members.

The interactive addition, described as a “living mural,” will allow visitors to explore stories and perspectives from Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing residents through touch and other sensory experiences.

The completed mural is on display at Blue Back Square and is open to the public.