A new mural created by hundreds of local teens was dedicated Tuesday at Blue Back Square, celebrating both community pride and National Recovery Month.

Community mural dedication on Sept, 30, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

By Mia Jaworski

The West Hartford Community Mural, led by artist Katherine Tolve of RiseUP for Arts, was unveiled during a ceremony Tuesday hosted by the West Hartford Prevention Partnership. Town leaders, students, and community members gathered for the ribbon-cutting, calling the work a lasting tribute to the voices, values, and resilience of West Hartford’s youth.

RiseUp for Arts mural at community mural dedication on Sept, 30, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

The stamp-inspired mural design, contributed to by hundreds of students over several months, highlights the town’s history, culture, and identity – while connecting past, present, and future generations. 

The mural has been installed at the lower east entrance of Blue Back Square, near the stage and along the West Hartford Public Library.

West Hartford Public Library lower east entrance in Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

“Arts ties past and future,” Mayor Shari Cantor said, praising the project as a reminder of how creativity builds connection.

Table mural made by RiseUp for Arts at community mural dedication on Sept, 30, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

Officials also noted the dedication’s link to National Recovery Month, pointing to the town’s recognition as a recovery-friendly community. Speakers from Youth Recovery CT, Wheeler Clinic, and the West Hartford Prevention Partnership highlighted prevention and peer leadership programs that support young people and families facing substance-use challenges.

West Hartford Prevention Partnership table at community mural dedication on Sept, 30, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

“This mural is proof that West Hartford is a community that cares deeply for one another,” said Gretchen Levitz of the Prevention Partnership, who described the piece as both a celebration of creativity and a symbol of recovery.

Guests at community mural dedication on a painted Blue Back bench on Sept, 30, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

Speakers also included West Hartford Superintendent Paul Vicinus, Laura Zeppieri from Youth Recovery CT, and student Sebatian Latif.

The mural will remain on display in Blue Back Square, where organizers say they hope it will continue to inspire civic pride, youth leadership, and collective support for recovery.

West Hartford Prevention Partnership table at community mural dedication on Sept, 30, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

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