Mural On Wall Of Vernon Business Celebrates Life In Town

VERNON, CT — A new mural on the side of a Route 83 business is serving as a vivid depiction of everyday life in Vernon.

It was officially dedicated Thursday amid coffee, doughnuts, well-wishers and dignitaries.

The mural, located on the east wall of Tri-Towne Lube & Repair at 75 Windsor Ave., was something owner Matt Hickey said he has wanted for some time.

But who would paint it?

Hickey turned to Laura Costello, whose work appears at a few businesses in Coventry and Bolton.

And why not? The 25-year-old Costello attended Lake Street School, Vernon Center Middle School and Rockville High School and credits her art classes in the Vernon Public School system with honing her talents. It was her first outdoor work and those in attendance gave the mural excellent reviews.

Initially Hickey wanted to have his business logo painted on the building, but learned it would have violated Vernon zoning regulations.

"Well that was that," he said. "I then thought about a mural and the town was all for it."

Costello presented some proposals and she and Hickey worked together to design it. He was looking for some specific elements, especially his 1963 Ford Galaxy. The car is featured in the mural, along with the red barn at Valley Falls Farm, Fox Hill Tower, the old Talcott Mill, the Keystone Tunnel and Vernon Circle.

Hickey also wanted some cows.

Costello said she relied on images she grew up with.

"I grew up off Tunnel Road so I was in that tunnel every day. I was a camp counselor, so I've spent time in the barn at Valley Falls, she said.

She used a photo for the mill. Everyone knows the tower, she said.

"It's cool how thew mill has been maintained," Costello said.

The mural, took about 150 hours to complete.

"I'm so glad we did this instead of my logo," Hickey said, looking out on the crowd that gathered for the official mural unveiling. "All these people wouldn’t be here for a logo reveal."

Everyone who walks in and out of the busy Rocky's Ace Hardware next door will certainly see the mural, as will those coming out of New England Ski & Scuba, Subway and the new Napa Auto Parts up the road.

Westbound travelers will not miss it.

"I think it’s a landmark," Hickey said.

He also praised Costello for her skill as an artist.

"It's on a business, but it is all about Laura as an artist," he said.

Mayor Dan Champagne, State Rep. Tammy Nuccio and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, all who have deep ties to Vernon, congratulated Costello for her work and Hickey for commissioning the mural.