WATERBURY -- A building that used to sell furs in downtown Waterbury is being transformed -- at least on the outside.
It is a colorful project for the Brass City and it's tough to miss right off I-84 west.
Over 800 square feet, a mural has taken shape, courtesy of New York-based artist Victor Ving, photographer Lisa Beggs and the Waterbury Public Art Committee. In the tradition of the "Greetings from Asbury Park" postcard, Waterbury's mural tells the story of the city's history.
"We wanted to have an iconic landmark so when visitors come into our city they see how important art is and how vibrant this mural is," said Lynette Letsky-Piombo, the project manager from the Waterbury Public Art Committee.
The mural highlights signature spots in Waterbury like the Republican-American Tower, Holy Land and Timex.
It is Ving's 14th mural in his "Greetings Tour" and his biggest yet. It's also his first in New England. "I'd like to do one in every state," Ving said as he was painting a panel of his mural 35 feet above the lot of the former Blakeslee Furs Building.
Ving and photographer Lisa Beggs work together in each city they visit; Beggs takes the pictures, Ving supersizes them in paint.
"It gives you a great impression of Waterbury," Ving added.
Joe Geary, the chief of staff for the city of Waterbury, said, "I think it will just further enhance our image both past and present."
After about five days of work, the mural is set for completion on Thursday.
"It's bright and colorful," he said, "the murals take on a life of their own after we leave."
