Mayor Dan Champagne and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney of Vernon joined Matt Hickey, the owner of Tri-Towne Lube and Repairs, to unveil a mural that celebrates Vernon and Rockville on his building at 75 Windsor Ave. The mural is by artist Laura Costello, a Vernon native who credits the Vernon Public Schools with preparing her to pursue her dream of being an artist.
Hickey saw Costello’s mural work at some businesses in Bolton and Coventry and told her, “when you’re ready, I have a wall that needs to be painted.”
Mayor Dan Champagne speaks with artist Laura Costello
Initially Hickey wanted to have his business logo painted on the building, but learned it would have violated Vernon zoning regulations. And then he asked, “how about a mural?” and town officials responded, “Of course, we support the arts.”
Costello presented some proposals and she and Hickey worked together to refine them. He was looking for some specific elements, especially his 1963 Ford Galaxy. Costello relied on her experience growing up in Vernon and included the red barn at Valley Falls Farm, Fox Hill Tower, the old Talcott Mill, the Tunnel Road tunnel and Vernon Circle. Hickey also wanted some cows.
The resulting mural, which took about 150 hours to complete, has been dazzling drivers along Route 83.
“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 also sees the mural, and Hickey said it does not hurt to draw attention to his business. “I think it’s a landmark,” Hickey said.
He also praised Costello for her skill as an artist.
Mayor Champagne and Congressman Courtney both congratulated Costello for her work and Hickey for commissioning an attractive mural.