The mural was created as a collaboration between multiple organizations, and honors the history, culture, and diverse methods of communication used in the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities.

By Ronni Newton

A mural honoring the deaf and hard of hearing community was officially unveiled in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square on Monday evening with great fanfare, and the opportunity for the many who made the project possible to express their thanks.

The Webster Walk courtyard was packed, ASL interpreters ensured that all present could receive the messages of all speakers, and there was ice cream, cookies, live music, and a chance to meet those involved with the mural and the deaf and hard of hearing community.

The mural was nearly two years in the planning, according to Luke Nowakowski, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with West Hartford Public Schools, who was the first to imagine the possibility and one of the key organizers of the project. The painting of the mural itself on a portion of the eastern and southern wall of the Noah Webster Library took place over just a few weeks.

Megan Allen, a West Hartford resident and parent of a deaf child, led a crowdsourcing campaign that was one of the largest every to receive a Sustainable CT Match. Through Patronicity, more than $17,000 was raised – more than double the $6,000 goal – from 77 donors. She noted that the mural reflects the “inclusion and belonging and communication access for all” that is the heart of West Hartford, and tells an important story of deaf education.

“The artwork highlights the legacy of Deaf education through an image of Laurent Clerc in the upper left,” Allen said. Clerc is historically regarded as the founder of deaf education in the United States, and in the early 19th Century, along with Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, founded what is today the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford.

In addition to the image of Clerc, Allen said the mural “celebrates communication accessibility with images of children signing, using hearing aids, cochlear implants, and an FM system,” she said. “And it includes a powerful portrait of a DeafBlind community member communicating through tactile ASL. Every part of this wall reflects the message that all deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing people have the right to communication access and to be seen,” Allen said.

West Hartford Public Schools Deaf Services supports more than 80 students, and Nowakowski and the other teachers, including Lauren Dick, were instrumental in advocating for and planning the mural. They engaged renowned Hartford-based muralist Michael Rice – whose previous works include the highly visible “Reawakening Wonder” mural at 50 Morgan Street in Hartford – to create the mural. Once he committed to the project, he worked closely in collaboration with DHH organizations, West Hartford Public Schools, and the American School for the Deaf. Christine Ferreira, an art teacher at ASD, “contributed her own brushwork to the mural, completing the section featuring a young boy using a walker and FM system, adding her personal connection and artistic style to the piece,” those involved with the project said.

Nowakowski learned that Rice had already done some murals in town, including working with students at Bugbee Elementary School, and said he brought his “little idea” to the West Hartford Public Schools Deaf Services team, “and they jumped right in.” He was thrilled when Rice agreed to do the project and said it is now “a way of saying thank you to every student who has ever shown us what access and resilience really looks like.”

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said having the mural in West Hartford is a great step in recognizing the home of the first permanent school for the deaf. “It has played a significant role in communication and access for generations and generations … So we are so honored to recognize this legacy.” The mural is also a reflection of West Hartford’s “commitment to accessibility, public art, and community partnership.”

Cantor said it’s exciting to see the project become reality after nearly two years of planning. “No idea is too small, and no idea is insignificant,” she said, urging others to keep bringing their ideas forward because that’s what continues to make the community a better place.

Allen said that Rice’s approach to every part of the mural was “withcare, humility, and a deep commitment to representation. This mural is not just beautiful, it is meaningful, intentional, and rooted in the lived experiences of the people it represents.”

Rice told the crowd that it was “inspiring to see this many people come together. … I feel really honored just to be included in this and to help express and to show something that celebrates [the community].”

American School for the Deaf Executive Director Jeff Bravin, said having the mural in West Hartford is meaningful and sends a powerful message. “I want to say how proud we are to be able to sponsor this important event. This mural represents not just artwork, but also represents visibility, inclusion, identity, and our collective commitment to assuring that deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind children are recognized, celebrated, and have full access to communication, education, and community.”

Others who shared how grateful and inspired they are by the mural include Luisa Gasco-Soboleski from the Connecticut Association of the Deaf, state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest and former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin – who are both running for the 1st Congressional District seat, and Summer Mitchell from Sustainable CT. Teacher Lauren Dick expressed thanks to the many other community partners and flowers were presented to many of the key participants.

David Guardino, a student language facilitator with West Hartford Public Schools, presented Rice with a very special recognition – his own “sign name.”

This fall, the second phase of the project will be installed. “Michael [Rice] has graciously allowed us to replicate his artwork into a three-dimensional tactile piece so that DeafBlind individuals can also experience this art through touch,” Allen said.

She said the tactile plaque, along with signage recognizing donors and partners, will be installed this fall in Blue Back Square. The “living mural” will also provide the opportunity to listen to and see stories from the community through interactive engagement.

After the formal presentation, the crowd enjoyed the music and sweet treats – especially the youngest in the audience who were invited up to the stage to sing and sign.

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