A colorful new two-story mural in the Frog Hollow section of Hartford is part of an ongoing effort to celebrate the culture and history of the neighborhood. UHart’s Noel Casiano, assistant professor of psychology & human services at Hillyer College, is one of the community leaders whose realistic image is featured on the mural on the corner of Park and Lawrence Streets.
The project is managed by SINA (Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance) through a partnership formed by Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford Hospital, and Trinity College, with the mural featuring Casiano sponsored by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
“I was extremely humbled that my local community and the city of Hartford nominated me, and very honored that I was a finalist,” says Casiano, who teaches courses in psychology, urban trauma, human addictions, and human services. “I now plan to include further discussions of how human service professionals can make a positive impact on local urban communities by advocating for the emotional and behavioral health of all citizens,” he adds, reflecting on new academic ideas the mural has sparked.
Read more about Casiano and the mural project.