Naugatuck residents invited to paint youth-inspired public mural on July 4

Naugatuck is opening a new downtown mural project to the public on July 4, letting residents help paint artwork inspired by five local elementary school students. The community event is designed to add public art downtown ahead of the borough’s Independence Day festivities and deepen local connection to the new mural. Why it matters: - The mural gives Naugatuck residents a direct role in shaping a public artwork that will stay downtown. - The project turns student drawings into a visible community landmark, linking local youth, public art and the borough’s Independence Day celebration. What happened: - Naugatuck will host Community Paint Day on Saturday, July 4, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 30 Church Street in downtown Naugatuck. - Residents are invited to help paint a new mural titled “Naugatuck Through the Eyes of Our Youth.” - The mural was inspired by artwork from five local elementary school students. - Connecticut mural artist Katiana Jarbath Smith transformed the students’ drawings into a large-scale mural design. - The mural will be installed on the north-facing wall at 30 Church Street, next to The Loaded Goat House. The details: - Community Paint Day includes three one-hour painting sessions. - Each session is limited to 20 participants. - Advance registration is required. - Participants under 18 must attend with a parent or legal guardian. - Organizers recommend wearing clothes that can get paint on them because mural paint may permanently stain fabric. - Registration is available through the event sign-up page . - The event will happen before Naugatuck’s annual Independence Day festivities. Between the lines: - Mayor Pete Hess framed the project as part of a broader effort to keep downtown more vibrant, welcoming and lively. - Francis Santana, chair of the Naugatuck Arts Commission, said murals help add to the town’s story and make art accessible to everyone. - Smith said the students captured what makes Naugatuck unique and that the mural reflects pride in the community and its future. - The event also gives residents a chance to contribute to a lasting piece of public art rather than just observe it. What’s next: - Residents who want to participate need to register before the event fills up. - The mural will remain as a permanent public installation after Community Paint Day. - The project will be completed ahead of the borough’s evening Independence Day celebration. The bottom line: - Naugatuck is using a student-led mural project to bring residents into the creation of public art and add another visible point of civic pride downtown.