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Old Saybrook to Gain Mural Celebrating Diverse Heritage

To commemorate Old Saybrook’s diverse past and to showcase the town as a welcoming community for all, Old Saybrook will soon be the sight of a community mural.

In the coming months, the side of Foodworks will be home to a mural meant to commemorate of Old Saybrook’s inclusive and diverse heritage, according to Old Saybrook March for Justice and the Public Art for Racial Justice Education (PARJE) program. According to a press release from the organizations, Old Saybrook art teachers Hannah Newton and Sara Menga will lead the creation of the Old Saybrook mural. Old Saybrook will join East Lyme, Old Lyme, Norwich, and New London, which all have murals already.

Maryam Elahi, the president of the Community Foundation for Eastern Connecticut and an advisor to PARJE, said that the mural idea sprang up after there was so much public involvement with people speaking out for justice and diversity initiatives following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

“It’s a way to send a message of history but also show we’re a welcoming town. It’s a way to move forward in a way to use art to bring attention to equity and justice issues,” said Elahi.

Elahi said that people will begin painting in the spring, but was unsure how long it will take to complete. To make sure the artists are compensated for their work and that they have access to high quality materials, Elahi estimated that $15,000 needs to be raised. To do so, a number of fundraisers are planned. The first such fundraiser was held Nov. 28 (after press time for this article), but Elahi said that more fundraisers will be planned for after the holidays.

In the fundraiser meantime, donations can be made via a check sent to the Community Foundation for Eastern Connecticut, noting “for Old Saybrook mural” in the memo line.

So far, Elahi said the response has been overwhelmingly positive with businesses and individuals stepping up to help with the mural.

“Everyone has been so generous. I just think it’s wonderful the arts community have all given us support,” said Elahi. “It’s so important.”

For more information about PARJE and its mission, visit www.racialjusticeart.org/about.