Call For Murals On West Hartford Dining Barriers Returns

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The West Hartford Art League and the Town of West Hartford are joining forces once again to bring art to the streets.

More than two dozen concrete barriers will be placed in the roadway to expand the outdoor dining experience on LaSalle Road, Farmington Avenue, Memorial Road and Isham Road this May. Restaurants will transformed these spaces into al fresco oases by adding umbrellas, lighting, plants, flowers and trees.

Building on last year’s success of incorporating art on the blank barrier walls, the West Hartford Art League invites artists to submit designs for the 2022 linear mural project.

For project details, click here. Artists should submit designs by 5 p.m. on April 16.

“In addition to helping local businesses, this project will brighten our streets and energize our community with color while showcasing the talents of local artists,” said Roxanne Stachelek, executive director, West Hartford Art League.

“Outdoor dining corrals created over 1500 additional seats throughout town in 2020 and 2021,” said Kristen Gorski, economic development coordinator. “This opportunity was a life line to many struggling businesses when indoor dining was limited due to the pandemic. The addition of the artwork last year, was a major attraction that drove pedestrian traffic to our Center and enhance visibility to all businesses in this area,” she said.

The community will be invited to watch artists in action on May 15 in Blue Back Square and May 22 on Farmington Ave. and LaSalle Road.

The ARTBarrier project is being funded by the Town of West Hartford. Special thanks go to Jerry’s Artarama for donating paint brushes that will be used by the artists.