Page 17 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 59 Spring 2026

requested the artwork have a patriotic
theme. Plans include a metal archway on
each end of the alleyway, and a QR Code,
allowing a visitor access to a video pro-
duced by Wesley Krombel that gives infor-
mation about the artwork.

The committee, informally designated as
the Gingras Art Project, has brought this
project almost to completion. With assis-
tance from WACA, and especially mem-
bers Rachael Rousseau and Tom Pender,
a search for the artist took place some
months ago.

Several candidates were interviewed,
and, as luck would have it, the ideal art-
ist turned out to be a Wallingford native:
Ryan Christenson. Ryan graduated from
Sheehan High School where you can see
one of his murals. There are also examples
of his work all over the United States, in-
cluding a 90-foot mural on Pearl Street in
Hartford.

In no time, discussions as to the elements
that should be included in the mural took
place in collaboration with Christenson.
The committee (apparently referred to
as a “jury” in the art world), is made up
of members of the Gingras family, two
members of WACA and a member of the
project's steering committee who super-
vised the project from the beginning and
worked closely with Christenson through-
out the process.

The plan is to have the mural project done
by early May with a ribbon cutting later in
the month. In addition, the other Simpson
Court alley that splits buildings owned by
Ferguson-McGuire will come alive with
mural art before year’s end.

Through the dedication and collaboration
of a group of Wallingford residents, there
will be a fitting memorial to Mark R. Gin-
gras, one of our most beloved residents
who gave his time, money and talent.

Strong communities are built and sus-
tained by people like Mark. This mural
stands as a lasting tribute to his generosi-
ty, vision, and unwavering commitment to
Wallingford. Fittingly located in the heart
of town, it offers a place to reflect on his
legacy and hopefully inspire others to
share in the same passion he brought to
making Wallingford a better place.
We encourage everyone to visit
Simpson Court and experience
this meaningful tribute to the
town, and Mark, firsthand.

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