NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Many people consider New Haven pizza a masterpiece, including one local artist who’s turning his favorite pizzerias into paintings.
“For the past several years, I've been searching around, just trying my favorite pizzas,” said Bryan Madden.
That search led the New York transplant to the sauce-smothered specialties of New Haven’s Wooster Square.
“I never expected to convert from a New York pizza person to a Connecticut pizza person,” said Madden.
The proof is in the paintings.
"One day, I guess I got the idea: Why not paint these places while I'm here?'" Madden said. "It's been two years now, and I've probably painted 40 of them so far. There are really big communities online; people who want to get together and talk about their history of going to their favorite pizzerias growing up.”
Strokes of color have brought the memories to life on social media, where Madden posts his art, collecting hundreds of comments and likes.
“I think my artwork probably hits a nostalgia spot for people because pizza is a very nostalgic thing. People hold it in their hearts from childhood whether it's parties, things like that,” said Madden.
During a recent visit, Madden got the chance to share his artwork with staff at Pepe’s Pizzeria.
“My server when I used to be a guest before I worked here, my server introduced me to my wife so that's my story. I'll be forever connected to Pepe's,” said Pepe’s Manager Jeff Marini.
Madden’s paintings served up special moments and memories for those connected to Connecticut’s pizza industry.
"Just the stories of the people, the staff here. Just everything is what makes this place so special and nearly a century old. The museum of the pizza industry is right here on Wooster Street,” said Marini.
The history is now in the people’s hands, too, as Madden expands his menu.
“This is my pizza fanzine called ‘Pizza Beats.’ ‘Pizza Beats’ is a way for me to share my artwork, some stories, interviews, and pictures of pizza,” said Madden.
He’s also created a trading card series.
“I've taken all of my pizzeria paintings. I started doing portraits of pizza makers as well, and I've turned them into this fun little card set. People can try to collect them all,” said Madden.
Paintings or pizza, the ingredients and recipes may be different. However, a masterpiece is still a masterpiece no matter which way you slice it.
"I hope whoever opens a pack of cards is looking for that Frank Pepe. Hopefully, they look at it as trying to get a Derek Jeter,” said Marini.
Madden’s Pizzerias in Watercolor series is currently on display at the New Haven Museum.
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Angelo Bavaro is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at abavaro@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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