A call for artists spearheaded by the Wilton Library, the Wilton Family YMCA and Wilton Pride to design this year’s Pride Crosswalks has garnered an enthusiastic response from the community, which organizers said signals strong support for Pride in Wilton.
According to a press release, Wilton Pride organizers said that when the call for artists was issued in February, they expected to receive “a handful” of submissions, but by the deadline there was a “remarkable outpouring of creative talent,” with a total of 49 submissions, including 17 entries from Wilton High School students.
Now, organizers are inviting the community to help install the Pride Crosswalks chosen as winning submissions.
“We are inviting the community to meet the artists,” Wilton Pride Board Member Nikki Sherman said. “Roll up your sleeves and be a part of installing our new crosswalks. Grab a paintbrush (or two) and join us as we create these powerful symbols of belonging, right here in Wilton.”
Installations will take place at the Wilton Library on Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18 at 5:30 p.m., and at the Wilton Family YMCA on Saturday-Sunday, May 23-24 at 6 p.m. Volunteers are encouraged to wear clothes they don’t mind getting paint on.
According to Rev. Caroline Ainsworth Hughes, Wilton Pride Board Member and Senior Minister of the Wilton Congregational Church, the level of community engagement, especially from youth, shows a “deep commitment” within Wilton and surrounding areas to creating a safe and inclusive environment for the whole community, in particular LGBTQIA+ children and families. She pointed to the volume and quality of the artwork received as proof that the effort was met with enthusiasm in Wilton.
“Programs like these, which generate community participation, reinforce our belief that the people of Wilton are dedicated to ensuring everyone feels safe and welcome, especially our LGBTQIA+ youth.”
The crosswalk designs are one element of a community-driven celebration of pride as part of Wilton’s landscape. They are slated for installation in anticipation of Pride Month and Wilton’s Third Annual “Be You Pride Festival,” scheduled for Sunday, June 1, in Wilton Town Center, in collaboration with the Wilton Library. The event will showcase the community’s commitment to belonging under the #wiltoniswhereyoubelong campaign.
“With our location at the center of Wilton, the Library has an amazing opportunity to visually demonstrate our commitment to create an environment where everyone is made to feel safe and welcome. We continue to hear overwhelming support from our patrons and know that the crosswalks are making a difference in the lives of so many of our Wilton residents,” Wilton Library Executive Director Caroline Mandler said.
“The Y’s strength is manifested in how it builds strong communities. Bringing people together is what makes the Y a special movement — one that calls us to open our arms widely to welcome all. Encouraging greater acceptance and support for all people, will make the communities in which we live safer and more welcoming,” Riverbrook Regional YMCA CEO Christene Freedman said.
“Positive signs of affirmation and affirming spaces are important for our teens’ mental health and reduce suicide attempts among teenagers. LGBTQIA+ youth who reported having at least one affirming space had 35% reduced odds of reporting a suicide attempt,” Wilton Pride founder Farah Masani said. “We are glad that we live in a community where so many of our non-profit organizations, specifically the Library and YMCA, understand this and create affirming spaces.”
Wilton Pride is partnering on the installations with Brian Hollinger, a Weston resident and owner of Everline Coatings, a road and parking lot striping company. “We are thrilled and excited to partner with and support Wilton Pride in creating something long lasting that strengthens inclusivity in our community,” Hollinger said.
To further celebrate the participating artists, Wilton Pride has collaborated with local businesses Classically Cate and Purple Frog Printing on a special pop-up display. Details regarding this pop up will be announced soon.
For more information about the art installations or to get involved in Pride events visit Wilton Pride online or reach out via email.
Meet the Winners — Library Crosswalks
Finley Macdonald (Wilton) Wilton High School Freshman: “I wanted to include a heart on the design to show how love and identity is diverse and how we should show the same love and kindness back especially in these times. As a student and member of the LGBTQIA+ community here in Wilton I hoped to reflect that idea on my submission!”
Blair Gilpin (Wilton): “When I moved to Wilton in 2023, I felt great knowing that my children would be raised in a community that welcomes all and promotes acceptance. My toddler loves walking over the vibrant rainbow crosswalk as we enter the Wilton Library for storytime. I enjoy seeing the community come together at the Halloween parade and town events. This sense of inclusivity is what inspired my designs for the crosswalks. My four designs are inspired by the bright, bold colors of the LGBTQIA+ Progress Pride Flag. Each design represents the LGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on embracing and uplifting every individual. I have included the traditional rainbow colors, along with the brown and black stripes to honor people of color, and the blue and white to represent transgender and nonbinary individuals. These additions make the design more inclusive, ensuring that the struggles of marginalized groups within the community are visible and celebrated.
The interconnected lines reflect the unity and strength of the Wilton LGBTQIA+ community. My goal was to create designs that both celebrate this diversity and promote the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. I want this crosswalk to be a visible reminder of the power of love, understanding, and pride in all its forms!
Proud to be a resident!”
Scarlet Deford and Sloane Deford (Weston): “I’ve included my daughter’s original drawing which is the inspiration behind our crosswalk painting! Sloan is 6 years old and in first grade. She drew trees (the triangles) because she loves trees and hearts floating in the sky which represent love. I’ve added grass so our trees can grow strong roots underground and help our trees grow even taller. Most importantly, we fully support the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Erwin Ong (Norwalk): “These designs are meant to be experienced by pedestrians using the crosswalk, and everyone who crosses the street has a chance to be empowered by the positive and uplifting words that are the heart of the LGBTQIA+ community. I was inspired to incorporate animals and plants into these designs to remind us of our connection with our environment and to each other. And I incorporated the colors of the rainbow flag in each design to celebrate Pride.”
