Culture & Community | Hamden | Public art | Arts & Culture | Youth Arts Journalism Initiative
Ruby Szekeres Photos.
A bobcat takes long strides through the tall grass as it follows an eagle over the dark blue Quinnipiac River towards Hobbomock, now known as Sleeping Giant. Feathers and leaves float on the wind. A blazing sunset glitters. This is the story of those who came before us, told in vibrant color.
That scene is part of “Land of the Long Water,” a new mural from the artist ARCY that is an ode to the Indigenous Quinnipiac people who stewarded the land for generations. Supported by Quinnipiac University and the RiseUP Group, the mural celebrates and commemorates the town’s Indigenous history, while teaching the community about it. On Friday, town officials and members of the Quinnipiac University community gathered to officially welcome it to the town, where it sits at 2335 Dixwell Ave.
“Though the Quinnipiac people are no longer here, they are with us in spirit,” said Crystal Herron, digital media and marketing coordinator for the town of Hamden. Herron hopes the new mural will be a "source of pride and a landmark in [the] community for many years.” Its vibrant shades of sunsets, forest and river are visible as people stop at the intersection between Skiff Street and Dixwell Avenue.
The mural was made possible by a $25,000 donation to the Town of Hamden from Quinnipiac University, as well as a collaboration with Town Fair Tire and RiseUp Arts. The owner of the property, Jason Gorden, did not hesitate when asked for the use of the concrete canvas.
Despite the threat of rain Friday, the mood at the morning’s ribbon cutting remained jubilant. Mayor Adam Sendroff, who described himself as a fan of public art, encouraged attendees of all ages to “observe and take in the new mural.” When Sendroff took office this year, this proposal was one that he was particularly excited about, he said.
In the past, Hamden has unveiled multiple other murals, Sendroff noted; this adds to the mix, while literally brightening the town (he pointed to Hamden’s “Ghost Parking Lot,” in which New York artists covered cars with pavement, creating an iconic haunted look). It also dovetails with two large birthdays: the United States of America’s 250th anniversary this coming weekend, and Hamden’s 240th this year.
“This reminds us of what happens when we come together in a collective.” Dr. Marie Hardin, president of Quinnipiac University, added. “We value and cherish our role as a citizen in this community.”
Many of the same university professors who helped make sure the art was historically accurate also organized the Intertribal Powwow, which Hardin and Sendroff highlighted in their speeches.
During the celebration, three generations of Connecticut residents were able to view the landscape, each drawn to something a little different. Deb Giblin-Davis loved the deep river, and noted that it seemed to pull her in. She praised the town for making the decision to show not just one individual, but a scene that related to Hamden’s history and culture.
She had come with her husband, Robin Giblin-Davis, her daughter, Dr. Julia Giblin and granddaughter, Alma Giblin, as well as Julia’s friend and coworker, Dr. Jennifer Dauphinais. Both Julia Giblin and Dauphinais are professors at the university, and had heavily researched the area’s history.
From left: Robin Giblin-Davis, Dr. Julia Giblin, Dr. Jennifer Dauphinais, Alma Giblin and Deb Giblin-Davis.
Giblin found herself entranced by the lush green of Sleeping Giant, while her daughter loved the bobcat. Though they are from Branford, its depictions don’t relate any less to them: the Quinnipiac people inhabited the Greater New Haven area long before the arrival of European colonists.
As for the artist, ARCY was unable to be present for the unveiling, but sent his speech to his good friend and founder and executive director of RiseUp Arts, Matt Conway (pictured above) to read. Giving his two little kids a smile before pulling out his phone, Conway read from the prepared remarks, warning the crowd that as ARCY is a soft spoken person, and his recitation might be more energetic than planned.
“When I was invited to create this mural, I understood the importance of approaching it with care and respect,” he said, speaking on behalf of the artist. “ This project was an opportunity to honor the history of this place and recognize the people whose connection to this land reaches back generations.”
ARCY’s wife, son and mother-in-law were also there to support him, and all said they love and admire his creativity. “He’s working on a mural in Dunkirk, New York right now, but wanted to be here,” his wife, Kim Christenson, said. Their son, Sean Christenson is proud to have such a cool dad. ARCY is based in North Haven, but has had commissions nationwide and beyond, including works in Texas, Greece and Kansas.
“We’re used to him working 10 to 12 hour shifts,” Kim said. While some may not be able to do their best work in short amounts of time, this is not the case for ARCY. By the end of it, with just cans of spray paint, he creates art with shading, layers, and life. While colors might fade over time and become weathered, the mural is expected to hold up for the next couple of decades. Just in the time he was painting, those passing by waved and thanked him for his contribution.
This article comes from a graduate of the 2024 Cohort of the Youth Arts Journalism Initiative. Ruby Szekeres is a junior at Oak Meadow School.