MuralFest: Support soars for historic art project
PUTNAM — Funding support for a historic public art initiative coming to Putnam in 2028 has more than doubled since event organizers were awarded a project date two years earlier than anticipated. 
With the most recently donations and pledges, MuralFest is already at 44 percent of its goal of $250,000.
MuralFest Putnam is a public art collaboration that will welcome “The Walldogs,” who will spend four to five days in June 2028 painting Putnam’s rich history in a series of privately funded, stunning, storytelling murals. These vintage-style murals mimic early 20th-century advertising, featuring hand-painted lettering and illustrations on brick buildings. They evoke nostalgia and often depict local history and historical brands with a high-detail, realistic “sign-painter” aesthetic.
In exchange for the donation of time and talent by The Walldogs, the town will host a multi-day festival celebrating public art, community spirit, town pride, and the people, places, and events that have shaped the town’s history. The original date was in 2030 but the MuralFest group convinced The Walldogs the area would be ready earlier and in January the date was moved to 2028. And they were off and running fund-raising.
In addition to fund-raising, the MuralFest Putnam Planning Committee is working on mural selection and locations, lodging, meals, transportation, legalities, and other logistical planning. Information is available at https://www.putnamct.us/departments/economic-and-community-development.
The official kick-off was in May 2025 and in a few short months, $45,650 in donations and pledges were raised. 
And MuralFest Putnam Marketing and Communications Chair Linda Colangelo and Sponsorship Chair Laura Crosetti, in the last two months raised another $92,663, bringing the project total to date to $138,313 — 55 percent of the minimum goal of $250,000.
MuralFest Putnam sponsors to date include: Betty and Joseph Carlone Sr., Matthew Desaulnier and Family/The Hilb Group, Phyllis Emigh and Martha Lundgren, Erica and Larry Groh/Nikki’s Dog House, Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation, Leona’s Bakery, Linemaster Switch Corporation, Laura and Scott Moorehead, Nicole Ouellette Riegler and Family, Cherie Poirier, Putnam Area Foundation, Putnam Arts Council, Putnam Business Association, Putnam Economic Development Trust Fund, Eric Quinn and Family, Putnam Mayor Barney Seney, Steven and Marjolaine Townsend,  and Elaine Turner.
“It’s going to be an unforgettable experience,” said MuralFest Putnam Community Coordinator Elaine Turner. “Everyone who wants to participate is welcome to join us. Over 30 other small towns that hosted the Walldogs can attest that the beautiful artwork elevates community pride, drives economic development, and boosts tourism. This is truly a project that will be one for the history books.”
“We typically meet with a potential sponsor for about an hour to provide a comprehensive presentation that visually does all the talking…and by that, we mean The Walldogs’ tremendous artistic talent speaks for itself,” said Crosetti. “It’s an engaging and emotional experience when people realize the magnitude of the project, the sense of community it fosters, and the opportunity they have to become part of the legacy it will be for future generations. It’s been compelling and convincing enough that everyone has said “yes.’”
To join the movement, contact MuralFest Putnam Community Coordinator Elaine Turner This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or attend a monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month in Room 201 at the Putnam Municipal Complex, 200 School Street, in Putnam. Upcoming meetings are April 16, May 21, and June 18.
Learn more about The Walldogs at https://thewalldogs.org/, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalWalldogs/. 

More donations were announced at the March 19, 2026 meeting of the MuralFest Putnam Planning Committee. Here, Laura and Scott Moorehead proudly present a check representing a Mural Masters level donation to (l to r) MuralFest Putnam Community Chair Elaine Turner, Sponsorship Chair Laura Crosetti, and Marketing and Communications Chair Linda Colangelo.

Attorney Kate Cerrone, center, president of the Putnam Business Association, presents the first installment of a $10,000 Mural Master pledge for MuralFest Putnam to Marketing and Communications Chair Linda Colangelo, left, and Sponsorship Chair Laura Crosetti.

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