Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) Receives Support from Macy’s to Bring Enormous “LOVE” Mural to Parkville Market during Pride Month

*Disclaimer: the following contains mention of physical injury and domestic violence*

Join us at Parkville Market on The Patio at 4 PM as we unveil “The LOVE Mural” and stay for the Out & About Market inside Parkville Market on the second floor from 5-10PM

Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is using funding from Macy’s and partnering with muralist Lisa Marie to bring “The Love Mural” to Hartford and make Connecticut one of the first states on the 50-state tour. “The LOVE Mural” is designed to celebrate diversity, empower abundance and share love. Lisa Marie, the artist behind the LOVE murals is using the tour as a way to turn tragedy into something beautiful.

Nine years ago she began the new year with a traumatic fall off a ladder, crashing through a glass table, and suffering a serious concussion. Then shortly after while still dazed and confused, Lisa experienced domestic violence in her relationship, “Surviving intimate partner violence and healing from a traumatic brain injury simultaneously was a challenge. It was with a busted head, bruised body and broken heart I began a life shifting journey into understanding the healing energy of color and started to create my rainbow LOVE paintings and murals,” she said, “When people experience my artwork I want them to feel hope and inspired to continue on, living authentically. My color spectrum is specifically designed to uplift communities, increase joy, and energize individuals. Partnering with Mental Health Connecticut is a true honor, as we share a mission “to create environments that support long-term health and wellness.” I am now on a mission to paint LOVE in all 50 states.”

At MHC, we see the power of a healthy environment as it relates to a person’s overall wellbeing, “The arts can positively address stressors that impact the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals and their community. We are grateful to Macy’s for their continued support of our mission to create environments that support long-term health and wellness,” said Luis Pérez, President and CEO of Mental Health Connecticut.

Lisa’s hope is that through touring LOVE to cities around the country the power of the artwork will amplify positive energy, elevating consciousness and respect for all beings.

“We believe public art outside can have a profound impact on the way we feel inside! The LOVE mural will bring joy to hundreds of thousands of people every year in Hartford,” said Matt, Executive Director, RiseUP for Arts.

The funding for this project marks a continued run of support from Macy’s as a valued partner of MHC’s, “Through our social purpose platform, Mission Every One, Macy’s is committed to creating a brighter future with bold representation for our customers, colleagues, and communities we serve,” said Sam Di Scipio, Macy’s, Inc. senior director, social impact. “We are thrilled to provide Mental Health CT with funding to create dynamic artwork that promotes inclusion and empowers members of the LGBTQ community to be their authentic selves.”

“We are thrilled to be one of the first stops on the tour and the Connecticut home of The LOVE Mural. It has been an honor to work with Mental Health CT, RiseUp, and Lisa Marie on the planning of the installation of this impactful piece of art. Parkville Market is proud to be diverse in our offerings and inclusive of all people and The LOVE Mural is a perfect representation of that. We LOVE it!” said Ashley McHugh, Director of Events and Programming at Parkville Market.

ASL interpreting for the unveiling at Parkville Market will be provided by our friend Kim Dziezynski.

For media inquiries please contact: Brayden Ransom, MHC’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator at bransom@mchonn.org

Learn more about The LOVE Mural at https://www.lisamariestudio.com/

Contact the domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233.