Ideas Being Sought for Monument Pedestal in Wooster Square Park
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The statue of Christopher Columbus stood in Wooster Square Park for more than 100 years as a symbol of the Italian-American presence in New Haven. After its removal on June 24, a decision was made to replace it with an appropriate memorial to the Italian-American experience. New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker appointed a Wooster Square Monument Committee to decide how best to honor the contributions of Italian-Americans in New Haven through a collaborative community process. That Committee, chaired by Bill Iovanne, Jr. and Laura Luzzi, has met several times.
The Committee just announced that any interested person may submit their concept or vision for this public art project. Submissions may, but need not, include details about how that concept or vision can be realized. While there is broad latitude for suggestions, the existing base/pedestal will remain. Ideas must be submitted to the Committee via woostersquaremc@gmail.com by midnight on October 12, 2020.
One or more submissions will be selected for further consideration. After a selection is made, the Committee will issue an open call for artists to submit preliminary designs that capture the vision. Based on these submissions, the Committee will choose an artist to design and execute the project. The monument, statue, or other symbol should reflect and represent the dreams, aspirations, hardships, and family values of those in New Haven of Italian ancestry, but also of others so that it will be appreciated by all. The project will be funded wholly through private donations.
Questions may be addressed to Rev. Harlon L. Dalton at woostersquaremc@gmail.com.
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