Following a weather-related postponement, SHOP Sandy Hook Village is excited to announce its inaugural Village Mural Project is back on.

The community is invited to join together on Sunday, October 11, from 10 am to 3 pm, at Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue’s main station, 18-20 Riverside Road, to help bring the winning mural design to life while raising funds for the Sandy Hook pedestrian footbridge replacement.

The Village Mural Project is a community art and fundraising initiative created to bring residents together through creativity while supporting SHOP’s Bridge the Hook initiative.

The winning design, created by local artist Morgan Sclafani, has been transformed into a large-scale mural divided into 48 individual one-square-foot sections. For just $25, community members can purchase a square and paint it themselves, becoming part of the finished artwork.

Organizers had planned to have the public join them for the painting portion of the project on September 26, during Rockin’ the Hook. While the music and many other elements of the all-ages event went on, the mural project was postponed.

On October 11, the public will choose and purchase a square for $25. They will receive a printed guide to the section they are painting, visit the Color Bar to select the paint colors needed, find their corresponding square on the large-scale canvas, and then paint their section and help bring the mural to life.

When all 48 squares are complete, the individual paintings will come together to create a larger work of art with the look and feel of a patchwork quilt — 48 individual contributions becoming one beautiful piece of Sandy Hook Village.

Organizers promise participants do not have to be a professional artist to be part of the mural. The project is about community. Each person who paints a square will leave their own little mark on something that will become a lasting part of Sandy Hook.

Morgan Sclafani will be on site throughout the event, giving participants an opportunity to meet the artist behind the original design. Attendees will also be able to purchase a postcard replica of Sclafani’s original artwork and have it personally signed by her.

The event will also feature free face painting for children by the Newtown High School varsity cheerleaders, along with Sandy Hook Village merchandise available for purchase. Additional event activities and offerings will be announced as they are finalized.

Finally, 100% of proceeds from the mural project will support SHOP Sandy Hook Village’s initiative to “Bridge the Hook” and replace the Sandy Hook pedestrian footbridge. The footbridge has long been an important connection within Sandy Hook Village, and SHOP has made its replacement one of its primary community fundraising goals.

The rescheduled Village Mural Project will take place rain or shine. If the weather cooperates, painting will take place in the rear parking lot of the firehouse. If it rains, the project will move inside the firehouse.

Participants should be aware that exterior, non-washable paint will be used. Dress accordingly and wear clothing and shoes that can get paint on them.