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Mural on the fast track
Get out your paintbrushes; come help
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — All the pieces are falling into place.
Juneteenth (June 19) is the targeted installation date of the MLK39 Racial Equity Mural for northeastern Connecticut. It will be unveiled on the side of the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center.
Internationally renowned local muralist Emida Roller said the mural will measure 12 feet by 40 feet and will be installed on the two-story wall, visible from Kennedy Drive.
There will be 15 8-foot by 4-foot aluminum panels.
The panels are removable. The Hale YMCA has committed to the panels gracing the exterior wall of the YMCA for at least two years.
Roller said the mural will be painted on Polytab materials indoors and then adhered to the panels before the exterior installation.
The northeast corner was surveyed on how the mural should represent MLK and this community. Roller, who is also working on or has completed other MLK murals in the state, said the Putnam project received 128 responses. “This is the first time I have had this many responses. There were many similar responses, and a very good variety of ideas shared on the survey. From local, regional and national civil rights and human rights heroes to great MLK quotes. Diversity of cultures to the underground railroad to freedom marches.”
She said: “The design is done (just awaiting the faces of local kids to be sent to me). The mural will feature local children, local plants and much more. Local and national heroes- Prudence Crandall, Sarah Harris and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will also be on the mural.”
Two “community paint days” are scheduled and looking for volunteers. The first one is from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 23 at Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center. The second one is on April 6 at Quinebaug Valley Community College at a time to be determined.
Volunteers can register online at https://www.theriseupgroup.org/northeastctpublicart.
The Putnam MLK39 Steering Committee is a partnership between local community members, Town of Putnam, local businesses, the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center, and RiseUP for Arts/Northeast CT Murals.
The project hit its funding goal. Funding came from “generous sponsorships from Centreville Bank, Jewett City Savings, bankHometown, Sawmill Pottery, and more than 50 donations from individuals and organizations from the local community,” according to the committee.
Important Links:
Volunteer Signup: https://www.theriseupgroup.org/northeastctpublicart
MLK39 Racial Equity Mural Tour: https://www.theriseupgroup.org/mlk39