The ‘Benchmark’ outdoor art display will be unveiled at West Hartford’s Blue Back Square on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025.

By Ronni Newton

Thirteen benches that have been transformed by local artists have already enjoyed public outings including in Bishops Corner this spring and on the grounds of the University of Saint Joseph during the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival this summer, but the outdoor art exhibit will have its official unveiling in the Blue Back Square on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

The one-of-a-kind benches will be on display for the community to see and enjoy – and sit on – in the area of the Noah Webster statue on South Main Street and in the Webster Walk courtyard area in Blue Back Square. A tour and unveiling will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, and the benches will remain in place through Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025.

Like previous outdoor art exhibits – most recently the Dog Walk and Bear Fair – Benchmark is also a fundraiser, and will benefit the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. All benches have QR codes that can be scanned to donate directly to the Chamber.

The 2025 outdoor art exhibit is made possible by the sponsors and artists, and has been produced by 2020 Media. When the exhibit closes, the benches will be returned to the sponsors or auctioned.

Artists include Kelly Kelly, Sam Ferri, Michelle Lestrud, and Lauren Castro, and teams from various organizations also participated.

Sponsors include Hartford HealthCare, Liberty Bank, Udolf Properties, Larsen Ace Hardware, PeoplesBank, Robin Gebrian of William Raveis Real Estate, NBT Bank, New Britain Museum of American Art, Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, Westfield Bank, Modern Tire/French Cleaners, GYL Financial Synergies, and various media organizations including the Jewish Ledger, West Hartford Magazine, and We-Ha.com.

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