By Charlotte LeVasseur

Two local artists, Nicki Bonnano and Carolyn McNeil had a vision. They saw a vacant building, with its facade all boarded up and began to think of a way to make it into something that people would enjoy seeing. The result is a beautiful piece of artwork adding a unique interest to another of New London’s buildings. This new mural can be seen right next door to Pinc, and Surprise Party Goods. Nicki, owner of Arciolinda, located at Alpha Aero Draperies in Niantic loved a painting of the famous Connecticut College birches that friend Carolyn McNeil had created. The painting became the inspiration for the artwork now brightening the building and catching the interest of passersby.

Carolyn and Nicki worked together on the design and came up with a window looking out on an incredible view. Carolyn is a local artist born in Westerly. She grew up in the area and went to college in New Haven. Her background includes working in the arts in both Boston and New York and she has lived in New London County since 1984. She loves New England because of its close proximity to all the good things that the big cities can offer in terms of employment opportunities for artists, but also finds that New England is a great place to enjoy nature-- where she gets most of her inspiration. Her Facebook page has a gallery of paintings inspired by the New England surroundings and wildlife. Carolyn just completed another mural in the new Harbour Tower condominiums, on the 4th floor near the pool. She also collaborated with Nicki to design a condominium.

Nicki Bonnano has lived in New London County for 5 years but has family ties here that go back to the depression. She loves living here because: She loves “running into people that I know every time I’m out, as well as making new friends.” Nicki says about the mural on State Street: “This isn’t about me, this is all about Carolyn”. Carolyn is the one who did most of it. Both artists say that the purpose for creating the mural was to fix up a façade that had been stagnant for years. It took the two artists approximately 5 days to complete the mural and they say that the mural will remain in its location until the owner of the building renovates. At that time, the boarding containing the mural will be removed and a new location for the mural will be chosen.

They had some interesting experiences while painting the mural. Visitors from out of state asked the artists if they could help with some of the painting while they got their pictures taken. Then Carolyn signed a postcard for the visitors thanking them for their help. Passersby made positive comments about the mural. One comment remained in Carolyn’s memory; that it isn’t often that people in the city get to view birch trees because birches are generally seen in the countryside. Carolyn found the experience gratifying.

When asked what they would like everyone to know about the mural, Nicki said: “Welcome to this beautiful place of arts and entertainment.”