Norwalk council approves $70,000 Ely Avenue mural amid debate over artist-selection process

The Norwalk Common Council voted Oct. 14 to authorize Mayor Harry W. Rilling to execute a contract with artist Jermaine West for an Ely Avenue fencing mural not to exceed $70,000.

The decision follows public comment and council discussion about both the merits of West’s design and broader concerns about how the city selects artists for public art projects. Supporters said West’s ties to Ely Avenue and plans for community engagement make him a suitable choice; some residents and one council member called for reforms to the Arts and Cultural Commission’s processes and for the mural to better reflect local history and include women’s names in the design.

Resident Diane Lorcello told the council she and others see a recurring problem with how artists are recruited and selected, saying the process has “resulted in a lot of sadness, pain, and bad feelings.” Lorcello asked that the commission chair consider stepping down and recommended equity and diversity training for staff. Romney Donald, another resident, urged approval, saying the mural “is about representation, connection, and honoring one of Norwalk’s most historic black communities” and praising West’s plan to involve residents in workshops and painting panels.

Council member Josh Goldstein moved the contract and described West’s concept, called “Fabric of the City,” as drawing on Gee’s Bend quiltmaking traditions and local history. Goldstein said the piece “has bright colors and it’s abstract and it’s got interesting shapes” and that West intends to “work in a very collaborative way, in the community.” Artist Jermaine West told the council his submission is “not a complete submission” and that he plans “to engage the community and build on that so that the community is fully represented.”

Council member Nora Nijelski Eichner, who identified her background in African American art history, praised the design’s references to artists such as Jacob Lawrence and said it offers “a terrific opportunity for him to explore, with the residents through his art, his sort of references to the history and the contemporary moments.” Council member Harry Wiggins and others said West’s local ties and mentorship role for younger artists were reasons to proceed. Council member Josh Lopez expressed disappointment that the design did not include more of the area’s 19th- and early-20th-century history but said he would try to find out why and welcomed West’s stated willingness to add elements.

The council president called for a voice vote after the discussion. The motion authorizing the mayor to execute the contract with Jermaine West passed; the council called the vote in the affirmative and congratulated the artist. Council members and public speakers said West has indicated he will continue revising the design in collaboration with residents; one commenter requested that women’s names be added as part of that collaboration.

Funding for the project was described by one council member as coming from a state-funded program for the MLK Corridor. The council did not adopt additional binding conditions in the motion about design revisions; any design changes described by West or requested by commenters are matters the artist and city staff said they will address during the project’s implementation.