Currently hanging in the main corridor of Newtown Municipal Center is the combined artistic mural work of the youth of Newtown. The display is being shared by Ben’s Lighthouse for the month of November. 

Ben’s Lighthouse provided hands-on booths at both the 2014 Lighthouse Festival and Newtown Arts Festival. These booths included murals and invited all youth who stopped by to pick up a paintbrush and add their creative flair.

Each mural started out as a themed canvas: “Ben’s Waterlilies,” “Shine Your Light on This Starry Night” and “Safe Harbor. Throughout each event all youth were invited to put their personal touch on this collective community mural.  Layer upon layer of paint and love are added to the canvas resulting in the finished pieces on display.

When residents and other visitors check out the murals at the municipal center, organizers hope they will also visit the Ben’s Lighthouse table. Information about current and upcoming events that are being sponsored by the organization.

In addition, visitors can personalize their own river rock. All are encouraged to think about a loving message to share, write it on the rock, and then give the rock to someone.

The mission of Ben’s Lighthouse is to foster all children’s potential to build a more compassionate and connected world. Members believe children become architects of a changed society by practicing empathy, self awareness and volunteerism. Each child’s contribution, small or large, is a benefit to self and society.

The organization’s programs are named for 6-year old lighthouse enthusiast, Ben Wheeler, one of the children killed on 12/14. Members see Ben’s Lighthouse as a guide to the purpose of establishing programs that promote healing and coping, and to engage in events that build and strengthen the community. Ben’s Lighthouse, as an organization, also strives to provide outreach opportunities that empower and teach our youth. 

For more information or to volunteer with Ben’s Lighthouse, contact Kelly Paredes at kparedes@benslighthouse.org or 203-426-9070 extension 15.