Arts & Entertainment

Guilford Artist's Work Featured In New Haven Window Art Stroll

The work of artist Amy O'Neil Fissell is one of 30 displays in the art stroll and contest in downtown New Haven now through June 27.

The work of artist Amy O'Neil Fissell is one of 30 displays in the art stroll and contest in downtown New Haven now through June 27.
The work of artist Amy O'Neil Fissell is one of 30 displays in the art stroll and contest in downtown New Haven now through June 27. (Photo by Joey Jones)

NEW HAVEN, CT —The streets of downtown New Haven are bursting with color since the inaugural Window Art Stroll & Contest debuted on May 15.

Hosted by The Shops at Yale and Whitney-Audubon Retail & Arts District, the Window Art Stroll
& Contest is a self-guided walking tour with an online people’s choice voting system which
showcases the talent of 30 Connecticut artists by bringing their work outdoors for everyone to
enjoy.

One of those window displays is painted by Guilford artist Amy O'Neil Fissell.

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Through Sunday, June 27, guests visiting the Broadway, Chapel, and Whitney-Audubon
districts can see one-of-a-kind paintings made by local artists on storefront windows, and then
vote on their favorites for a chance to win gift cards to local retailers and restaurants. Live
music by local solo musicians also adds to the festivities on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.

“In this city of the arts, it makes so much sense to take advantage of our beautiful window
‘canvases’ as a pathway to our magnificent galleries and museums,” said Claire Criscuolo,
owner of Claire’s Corner Copia on Chapel Street, who was paired with artist Wing Na Wong.
“Stroll the streets as you enjoy window art leading to the Yale Art Gallery — which we are so
delighted to have reopened again!”

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Installations took place on Saturday, May 15, where guests watched as artists transformed
merchants’ windows into colorful, summer-themed masterpieces.

“What I love the most about working outdoors is being able to interact with the people that
walk by,” said artist Zach Chernak, who painted a summer-inspired caricature of Yale’s mascot
“Handsome Dan” on the front window of lululemon on Broadway. “Whether that is talking
with them, answering questions, or just working while they observe, it's a great opportunity to
meet new people and get a little exposure.”

Zach continued, “People should come to the art stroll to experience a wide range of talents and
styles, while enjoying beautiful downtown New Haven. All of the artists put in a lot of work to
add something compelling to each storefront. I have no doubt there will be something for
everyone to enjoy.”

One of the 30 window art displays in the Window Art Stroll & Contest in downtown New Haven, now through June 27. Photo by Joey Jones

Guests are encouraged to vote here for their favorite art display after they complete the walk, and those who do will be automatically entered to win $50 gift cards to various retailers and restaurants.

The stroll is about 1.5 miles and can be done in a little over an hour, although there are many
great restaurants, cafes, eateries, retail shops, and architectural points of interest along the
route so walking times could vary from an hour to a full afternoon.

Prizes will be awarded to artists for first, second, and third place, as well as for Best Summer
Theme on Broadway, Chapel Street, and Whitney Avenue. Winners will be announced during
the week of June 28.

For maps of the window art displays, voting and more information, click here.

Convenient hourly parking is available at surface parking lots adjacent to stores and restaurants
— 255 Crown Street, 56 Broadway, 40 Dixwell Avenue, and 78 Audubon Street. Directions can
be found at TheShopsatYale.com/Park and WhitneyAudubon.com/Parking. Currently, The
Shops at Yale is offering two hours of free parking with a $25 or more same-day purchase from
participating retailers and restaurants at the 56 Broadway and 255 Crown Street parking lots,
TheShopsatYale.com/FreeParking.

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