Vernon Planning 'Threads of Community' Mural for Downtown Rockville

VERNON, CT — Another mural is planned for Vernon, and this one is headed to downtown Rockville as part of a broader effort to strengthen the center of town.

The Vernon officials said a group of business owners, residents, elected officials and town employees is representing the community in the Connecticut Main Street Center's 2026 Accelerator Program. The group was tasked with developing a project to benefit downtown Rockville and, as a result, a "Threads of Community" welcome mural is planned for the Cornerstone campus at 1 Prospect St.

The mural will be facing East Main Street, also known as Route 74.

According to the project description, the mural is part of a larger revitalization vision for downtown Rockville. The town describes that vision as transforming the area into a "live-work-play" environment with public art, events, businesses and attractions that bring people into the downtown.

The mural's theme draws from Rockville’s industrial history. Once known as "Loom City," Rockville was a major center for textile, fabric and thread manufacturing. The project description states that the artwork will connect that past to the present while reflecting hopes for a renewed downtown with restaurants and social and cultural venues.

The town says the “Threads of Community” mural is intended for everyone and is meant to highlight the past, present and future visions of Rockville as a dynamic downtown. In addition to serving as public art, the mural is expected to create a visible gateway into Rockville for residents and visitors.

According to the campaign materials, community support for the project would help hire an artist to paint the mural and cover materials and supplies, including paint, brushes and tape. Funding also would go toward repairing any physical impediments to the building before painting begins.

The cost is estimated at $10,000, half of which needs to be raised through donations and $5,000 through the matching Sustainable CT community program.

To learn how to help see:

• patronicity.com/project/threads_of_community_a_welcome_mural#!/

Public input is also being sought:

The mural's location at 1 Prospect St. places it in a prominent spot for people traveling through Rockville., officials said.

Two existing murals in Vernon have been well received. One is a community effort on an overpass along the trails system in town:

Another is by local artist Laura Costello at Tri-Towne Lube and Service on Route 83: