Category Archives: The Hartford Project

Larger Than Life


A preview of our massive 30 ft. mural will be on display at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford’s 150 Anniversary gala this Thursday, March 25th. This mural features 4 BCGH members who demonstrate their creative talents after-school at the 170 Sigourney St. Club. POA has forged a partnership with BGCH in an effort to highlight the vibrancy and potential of Hartford’s youth. We dedicate this mural to the kids- our future!

After serving as the centerpiece for this landmark anniversary, the mural will be installed on the 31 Pratt St. building on Thursday, April 29th. This artwork will not only enliven the urban landscape, but also put a friendly, positive face on our capital.

Big Plans in the Works

The Hartford Project 2010: A Preview of Proposed Exhibition Designs

Goofing at the opening

Paralymic competitor, Kristen Duquette mimes in front of the the portrait of Brad Davis. The opening was a ball. Great energy, great enthusiasm and great attendance. – for me it was like a reunion. So many of the subjects came that I felt like all my old friends were gathering together. I enjoyed making them feel welcome and at home.

Surviving a Massacre

Rabbi Philip Lazowski tells the extraordinary story of how he survived the Holocaust, and years later reconnected with the woman who helped save his life.

Portrait of America – In Perspective

Pulling it all together – The full project

Willie Cordero

As a misguided teen, Willie sold drugs in the Hartford projects. Witnessing his father’s demise due to heroin abuse, he reassessed his choices. After a chance encounter with a stranger, he found his calling to the church, and turned his life around.

Now a minister, salsa singer, devoted husband and father, Willie gives counsel and spreads faith to those who need guidance.

Here Willie tells a story about how the secretary at his high school made an impact on his life.

The Interviews

The opening celebration of the Dignity & Diversity exhibition was a resounding success! Thanks to all who made it out.

If you missed it, here’s a look at one of the featured video pieces.

Cheers,
Joe

A Preview of The Hartford Project

Banners Line the Streets


Our banners are lining the streets of Hartford, and more murals are yet to come. Keep a look out for people you know, or maybe even yourself! Send us pictures of yourself with the banners if you happen to spot them: info@portraitofamerica.org.
Here’s a link to the full map which shows the locations of all 240 banners.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=116532979037239267371.000467b07bfe8022d937c&hl=en&ie=UTF8&z=15

On the Air with WTIC’s Ray Dunaway


I recently went live and on the air with Hartford’s own Ray Dunaway. Ray is the host of WTIC News/Talk 1080′s Mornings With Ray Dunaway- catch his show 5:30 AM- 9:00 AM daily.
Ray shares in the excitement about our Hartford Project, which features portraits of many familiar faces, from his mailman, Bob Connelly, to his good friend Hyacinth Yennie. Log on to our site- www.portraitofamerica.org- to see whoyou know!
Listen to the radio interview here:

http://podcast.wtic.com/wtic/1744979.mp3


Cheers,
Joe