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New mural provides visual history lesson of city

By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor

SPRINGFIELD What was once a water-damaged ceiling is now a visual lesson in Springfield's history.
On Friday, Mayor Domenic Sarno unveiled a mural by Rhode Island-based artist Ron Deziel that includes some of the city's prominent architecture, events and citizens.
Deziel explained to Reminder Publications the City Hall restoration project of which the mural was part took about a year to complete. The restoration includes projects in the mayor's private office and City Council chambers.
The artist said the ceiling for the staircase on the third floor had to be repaired first, which included fixing the broken plaster trim. He then took two months to research the mural and thanked the staffs at the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum and the City Library for their help in the process.
The actual painting took place "on and off" over several months, he added.
The painting has two layers, he said, separated by clouds to break up the city's history into two eras. The first is the coming of the first settlers, while the second presents the city's industrial and cultural accomplishments.
Dr. Seuss, Taj Mahal, Indian Motocycle, Everett Barney, Friendly Ice Cream, Smith & Wesson, James Naismith, the Duryea Brothers, the Breck Company, Absorbine Junior and Milton Bradley are among the people and companies represented.
The painting is on a canvas, which was cut to fit the half circle shape. Deziel explained the canvas was cut precisely to fit the space and then had to be affixed to the ceiling with wallpaper adhesive. He likened handling the canvas during the process to working with a "wet noodle."
The chandelier, which is affixed to the ceiling, was removed and cleaned as part of the restoration.
The restorations to City Hall were paid as part of a 2004 bond package. The mural cost between $30,000 and $35,000 and the total budget for the repairs was $75,000.
"The mural will not only serve as a daily reminder to City Hall visitors of all of the amazing things Springfield has accomplished, but will also serve as a teaching tool for students learning more about their community," Sarno said.