Hartford Reporter

City of Hartford issued the following announcement on March 31.

HARTFORD, CONN (March 31, 2022) – Today,  Mayor Luke Bronin announced that 33 artists have officially been  selected to paint 9 bus shelters and 24 electrical boxes along Albany  Avenue. The artists were chosen among 60 applicants for their skilled  sample artwork and their deep connections to the neighborhoods of Clay  Arsenal and Upper Albany. The vast majority of artists either currently  reside in or grew up in the city’s North End. Artists range from a  seven-year old to community leaders who have lived in Hartford for  decades. Some of the selected artists have contributed to other murals  and artwork in the city in recent years.

Artists were selected by an online vote by Clay Arsenal and Upper  Albany community members. Finalists were invited to introduce themselves  along with their sketches at a neighborhood meeting. Selected artists  will submit draft sketches within three weeks and will have another  three weeks before the final artwork is due.

“We are so proud of everyone who applied to the hARTford Love  initiative, and I want to congratulate these 33 local artists for their  selection," said Mayor Bronin. “These artists come from all walks of  life, but they are united by their love of art and their love of  Hartford, and I am excited to see the beautiful murals that they produce  in the coming months.”

“I was completely floored by the number of responses to this  initiative, and it makes me excited about continuing this project along  the other major corridors in the City. I want to thank the Clay Arsenal  and Upper Albany communities for embracing this project with open arms,  and we appreciate the Hartford Foundation for making it possible. What a  great way to showcase homegrown talent!” said Janice Castle, Director  of the Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement.

"I was excited to see that we had such a great response. I can't wait  to see the designs that come next. It is a great time for art in the  City of Hartford and I am happy to say that these artists are playing a  big part in what is happening," said Andre Rochester.

Artwork will be printed and installed at the bus shelters in late  April, and selected artists will receive $500 per design. The selected  artists will also be invited to a meet and greet public reception at  City Hall.

Original source can be found here.