City designated an Arts and Cultural District

With the newly-painted “Welcome to Norwalk” mural on West Avenue as a backdrop, the city announced Wednesday it has been designated an Arts and Cultural District.

Norwalk earned the designation from the Connecticut Office of the Arts because of its beautiful Norwalk Arts Space, art galleries, and other creative businesses and theaters in this area, said Lieut. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, who participated with local officials and artists in making the announcement in Mathews Park.

The Office of the Arts approved Norwalk’s application to create a Cultural District after recognizing the city’s deep commitment to promoting the arts and celebrating its diverse cultural heritage, according to a city news release.

The event also served as the ceremonial unveiling of the mural, which extends for over 1,000 feet on a retaining wall that faces an off-ramp from the southbound lanes of Interstate 95.

Praising the artists who produced the mural, Common Council member Josh Goldstein said the wall “is now transformed and emblematic of what makes Norwalk special. It’s colorful and welcome and thoughtful and exciting.”

Being designated an Arts and Cultural District, said Brian Kaspr, chair of the Norwalk Arts and Cultural Commission, is an affirmation of our commitment to nurturing and elevating the creative spirit.

Norwalk is a place where artists can find the support, resources and camaraderie necessary to pursue their passion, Kaspr said.

The mural was painted by artists Sonny Behan and Ernesto Maranje, with assistance from five local artists. The paint was donated by Ring’s End of Darien.

The mural’s colors and the animals portrayed were chosen based on a residents survey conducted over the summer.