The well-known tunnel connecting Westport’s Main Street to Parker-Harding Plaza parking area is about to get a facelift with a permanent art installation called “Tunnel Vision.”
The tunnel connecting Westport’s Main Street to the Parker-Harding Plaza parking lot will be the site of a permanent art installation called “Tunnel Vision”. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
The Westport Downtown Merchants Association (WDMA) announced today that local artist Miggs Burroughs has been commissioned to create a work of contemporary art for the pedestrian passageway.
The project, in collaboration with tunnel owner Win Properties of Rye, N.Y. with granted public access, will be unveiled at WDMA’s Art About Town Opening Night Street Party on Thursday, May 22, an announcement said.
“Tunnel Vision is one of the most ambitious and challenging art projects I have ever been involved in,” said Burroughs, who is donating his creative talents to the endeavor.
“It is an honor and privilege to be asked to transform this unique Westport space from a practical passageway into a highly immersive and memorable experience for tunnel-goers of all ages and persuasions.”
He added: “Not only will ‘Tunnel Vision’ take people from point A to point B physically, but the intent is to give them a rewarding emotional journey as well.”
The announcement said the WDMA approached Win Properties with the idea and the two organizations have been working together for almost one year to bring it from concept to reality.
The downtown tunnel as seen from the Parker-Harding Plaza side. This end also includes the entrance into the Acqua Ristorante Mediterraneo restaurant. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
They will share costs associated with the project, including cleanup, prepping walls, painting, and new lighting, the announcement said. Two Westport-based businesses will also be involved with the project—general contractor Scott Rochlin and architect Rick Hoag.
“Win Properties is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this historic and iconic art installation,” said Rick Yarmy, director of property management for Win.
The tunnel currently is home to a bulletin board and a mural created in honor of the first Westport-Weston First Night in 1995. Burroughs said he welcomes suggestions on possibly moving the mural.
David Waldman, a principal involved in the Bedford Square project that will replace the Westport Weston Family Y, said there may be possibilities to display the mural as part of that project.
