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What a journey. From drab concrete to the beauty of hundreds of hands painting together. Thanks for being there for this wild ride. And a special thank you to the incredible artists -- Hi Crew, TSB/Alberto Colon + Dooley-O and Damian Paglia!

 

Check out the photos below and stay tuned to find out what's next.

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Winning Design: "Bright Big Wall" 

A collaboration between Hi Crew, Damian Paglia, and Alberto Colon

Hi Crew

The Hi Crew's graffiti art murals are recognized on a worldwide basis with many murals captivating viewers from their own backyards! Many of you may have seen the elaborately colored murals on Water Street in New Haven over the years. Just imagine how the Humphrey Street over pass wall would look with an explosion of color and style. 

 

Damian Paglia

As a born and raised New Haven Artist and Holistic Healer, Damian plans to facilitate a similar process once more for this project with the word LOVE as the theme. LOVE is and must be the thread that weaves our stories together across neighborhoods, into our homes, and back into our community spaces.

 

Alberto Colon

Alberto Colon is a New Haven artist who had been painting murals for many years. His signature abstract color shapes and swirls are recognized widely both on walls and in the gallery.

About the Artists

At center Alberto Colon will create abstract swirls and Damian Paglia will outline the word "LOVE", allowing communtiy members to paint in the word.

The Finalists

We had some fantastic submissions that weren't selected this round - check them out here.

Hi Crew will lead an imaginative journey through the minds of our youth’s imagination. The mural begins with a child and his/her imagination of infinite possibilities. Each section of the mural entices a multitude of career paths from astronomy, to biology, from art and literature to trades and engineering. Bright colors will transform the dull grey underpass into a vibrant journey that will make every walk or drive by a unique experience. 

 

This mural has been designed to captivate community members, young and old and portrays the message that if you can dream it, you can achieve it.

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About Under 91

In 2012, a group of community members put together a public art project that temporarily lit up a couple of these underpasses. Now we're putting up permanent, colorful murals to brighten up the area and invite people to cross the border between these two communities.

 

We started with the Humphrey Street Underpass. 

 

In early March we conducted a community survey to help shape the call for artists. Since then, we have received over fifteen submissions from incredibly talented artists, narrowed down the selection through a team of professional curators, and had over 720 people vote to select the final design!

 

After an outpouring of support from around New Haven (and navigating some tricky regulations) we were able to start in September. After eight days of around the clock painting, the mural culminated with a community wide block party on September 27th. Over 500 people attended and hundreds added their unique touch, projecting hope and aspirtation on to the wall. The final product is quite stunning - we hope you get a chance to see it. 

 

Under 91 is a testatement to New Haven's rich diversity, incredible local art scene, and status as the Greatest Small City in America. If you're interested in continuing the momentum, e-mail under91project@gmail.com to find out how to get involved. 

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