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Christmas Village

In the fall of 2023, Hartford Union High School art class students painted the village scene that VBH volunteer, Joan Schnorenberg, cut out for them. 
The scene is lit for the Holiday Light display and can be best viewed across the pond from Centennial Park. 

Pump House

In 2023, VBH reached out to Hartford High School art instructor, Jesse Lam, to see if any of his students would be interested in transforming two unattractive but much needed, water barrels for the Pump House gardens at Willowbrook Park.
Students submitted designs and VBH approved the beautiful artwork from two students.

Brie Garza created a brightly colored design depicting fun gnomes and flowers.

Roxannn Ibarra said she drew her inspiration from the park and nature around her in the park for her koi and waterlilies painting.

The city fills the barrels as needed throughout the growing season.

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Historic Landmark Murals

Discover the stunning mosaic murals commissioned by VBH and crafted by Pamela Bean, a talented glass artist from Manitowoc, WI. Each panel features hundreds of small stained glass pieces, depicting historic scenes of Hartford.

Can you spot the artist's initials hidden in eleven different places?

We extend our gratitude to the community for helping bring these murals to Hartford's Riverwalk in 2022, with special thanks to the Hartford Area Foundation for funding the project, and Steel Craft Corporation and Hartford Finishing for their support in building the steel frames. Our appreciation also goes to Bill Wagner & Son for donating and installing the concrete base, the City Utility department for donating and installing the lights and the dedicated volunteers who worked diligently to install the murals, ensuring they will last as a permanent display along our Riverwalk.

Alpine Garden

Experience the evolution of Hartford's Downtown Riverwalk, a project driven by our garden club's ambition and dedication. The initial construction of the hardscape was completed in 2017 by Russ Krebs of R. Outdoors. In 2018, we installed a rain barrel watering system from the Post Office roof and expanded plantings, including the addition of gravel mulch to the Alpine Garden, which was formally dedicated to the City of Hartford in August. The following year, we focused on maintaining the Alpine Garden and beautifying the south side riverbank with 17 screening arborvitae and additional flowers.

In 2020, we added a beautiful "Kaleidoscope" planter to the Riverwalk and revamped a space near Main Street. In 2022, we enhanced the south side of the river with new perennials, shrubs, Lannon stone edging, and evergreens for our Christmas Lights display.

Thanks to the generosity of local foundations, businesses, service organizations, and individuals, Hartford continues to improve each day. Join us in downtown Hartford to enjoy this special place, and stay tuned for more exciting enhancements in the years to come!​

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