This building on Farmington Avenue was a block of white with green trim just a few years ago. Since the 30,000 square foot building was purchased by the Conference of Churches, there have been some changes. The most noticeable of these is the switch in paint color which exudes vibrancy and spirit.

In coming days, the 224 EcoSpace is going to get even more interesting through the addition of a mural inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Six Principles of Nonviolence. Expect to see representations of justice and the universe. This side of the building faces both the Aetna Wellness/Niles Street Garden and the back of the newly renovated West Middle Elementary School.

This mural project is a collaboration of The CT Center for Nonviolence, Art of Tao LaBossiere, The 224 EcoSpace, and Step Up Step Out: Ending the culture of violence, a mission of Asylum Hill Congregational Church.

Local artist Tao LaBossiere, who is directing the project, has already started prepping the wall. The mural will conclude with a day of community painting. Teens and adults are invited to fully participate; younger children should be supervised by their older family members. There is no cost to participate, no need to sign up, and nothing to bring aside from wearing clothes that can get covered in paint. If participants wish, they can bring lawn chairs and potluck dishes.

The community painting day is scheduled for July 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. If it gets rained out, this will be rescheduled for July 17, 1-6 p.m. This is located at 224 Farmington Avenue,with the mural facing Niles Street.