The RiseUP Group

This was our 2nd year hosting these great Bacon Academy students for a mural tour in Hartford!

Spanish 3 and Art students took their learning beyond the classroom with an inspiring trip through Hartford’s mural scene alongside RiseUp 🎨

From exploring vibrant public art across the city to visiting the Parkville studio, students discovered how murals can shape communities and tell powerful stories. They had the opportunity to meet Corey Pane, connect with Arcy via video, and see incredible work by Bacon Academy alum Brian Wentworth!

Thank you Stefanie Audia for the contribution toward the student laptops! Can someone support with a $119.99 donation today so we can purchase the first laptop??
Pay it forward at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-riseups-elevate-leadership-development-program-after-school-program

Hi Network! The RiseUP Group needs a few more computs for our Elevate Leadership Institute and workforce development work with RiseUP Home and Commercial. If anyone is open to sponsoring this purchase, you can make a donation directly here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-riseups-elevate-leadership-development-program-after-school-program Thank You!

Hi Network! The RiseUP Group needs a few more computs for our Elevate Leadership Institute and workforce development work with RiseUP Home and Commercial. If anyone is open to sponsoring this purchase, you can make a donation directly here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-riseups-elevate-leadership-development-program-after-school-program Thank You!

URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT: SHARE YOUR MESSAGE ON CONNECTICUT'S LARGEST NYE CLOCK!

Hartford’s Skyline to Shine: Magic Mural Laser Show Powers First Night NYE Countdown

Hartford, CT – December 31, 2025 – Tonight, Downtown Hartford will transform into a dazzling canvas as the Magic Mural Laser Show lights up the 40,000 sq. ft. façade of the Frontier Communications building. This spectacular display will serve as the official New Year’s Eve Countdown Clock for First Night Hartford, culminating in fireworks at midnight.

The Magic Mural Laser Show blends art, technology, and community spirit, creating an unforgettable experience for thousands of residents and visitors. The installation will feature dynamic laser animations, bold text scrolls, and Hartford-themed visuals leading up to the midnight celebration.

Add Your Message to the Countdown

This year, the community can be part of the show! We’re offering the opportunity for individuals and organizations to add their own message to the NYE Countdown Clock. SUBMIT BY 4PM TODAY! Submit your message here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/nye-countdown-message

Celebrating Sponsors
RiseUP for Arts extends heartfelt gratitude to those who make this cultural moment possible:

Visionary Sponsor: Jane and Mark Nielsen, Frontier Communication Executive

Innovator Sponsors: Richard P. Garmany Fund and Hartford’s Office of Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Their commitment to creativity and community ensures Hartford shines as a hub for innovation and inclusivity.

Event Highlights

Location: First Night Hartford, Downtown Hartford
Time: Show begins at Sundown
Experience: Laser-powered countdown, community messages, and fireworks at midnight

Why It Matters
The Magic Mural initiative is more than a show—it’s a movement to reimagine Hartford as a global cultural destination. By merging large-scale digital art with public celebration, RiseUP for Arts continues its mission to inspire, connect, and uplift communities through creativity.

NYE Countdown Message Do you have someone special to shout out or a special message to share this NYE? Display your message on the Magic Mural Art Wall during First Night Hartford's NYE Event. **Conditions: Messages will be denied if they are not appropriate for ALL Ages. No refunds will be given if you submit an inappro...

Shout out to Bear's Smokehouse BBQ for sending meals for 100 people out to the Waterbury water crisis! Any other Hartford area restaurants want to step up and send food to a city with NO RUNNING WATER, please comment below and we can help coordinate distribution efforts.

Water returns to parts of Waterbury as massive main break proves worse than expected Crews restore limited water service, but extensive underground damage delays permanent repairs citywide.

Defying Gravity: A CREC Schools Story Series Across our district, students, staff, and families are breaking barriers, rising above expectations, and rewriting what’s possible. “Defying Gravity,” inspired by the musical Wicked, celebrates the powerful stories of perseverance, creativity, and community that define CREC. Check out our first video as part of our new Defying Gravity series, students from @crec_acse , @impact.rhinos , and @crecaerospace unveiled a powerful new mural on Morgan Street in Hartford—the culmination of the Creative Leadership Program (CLP), funded through CREC’s Project Prevent Grant and created in partnership with @ctmurals (RiseUp for Arts). Over five weeks, these student artists collaborated with professionals to transform creativity into leadership, healing, and community connection. The result? A vibrant public artwork celebrating resilience, unity, and youth voice. 💛 #DefyingGravity #CRECeducation #crecfirst #StudentVoice #YouthLeadership #RiseUpForArts #HartfordArts

“You Can’t Rock The Pub”

We had the honor to join the dedication of RiseUP’s latest collaboration with muralist and at Hartford Public High School.

It was a beautiful event that also honored the new Sports Hall of Fame banners hung in HPHS’s field house.

Special thanks to for hooking this project up, Kat, for helping Kat with logistics and getting it done and on time, HPHS change maker Cherry Chan, the facility staff at HPHS, and for coming out and raising the bar for Hartford, and all those the supported the funding for this project.

Beautiful day for celebrating Hartford Public High School athletic legends and the dedication of this incredible mural by Katiana Jarbath Smith JarbathArt!

Hartford Public Schools