Derby Public Library opens its new pocket park, palm trees and all
Derby Public Library's Rhythm and Read Park includes a splash pad, oversized instruments, and an enormous mural by a Derby artist couple
Mark and Mary Ward worked 12 to 14 hours a day, outdoors, for 37 days straight, on their mural for Rhythm and Read, the Derby Public Library's new park. It opened to the public on September 4.
"We both have done art most of our lives," Mary Ward said. "He has a studio upstairs, I have a studio downstairs."
Her husband has exhibited his work at Gallery 12 and previously taught at the Hubbard Arts Center in Derby. Mary had worked in a variety of of areas, including as an award-winning gourd artist. Both have exhibited work at the library in Derby, where they are longtime residents.
"Derby does support local artists, Mary said. "They are really good about that."
The couple presented a mural design that responded to the topical visual tone of the park, which is an homage to Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. The 16,000 square feet of grounds include a splash pad and oversized instruments.
They enjoyed working with the theme and seeding the mural with references to Derby. And despite the length of the project, they said they couldn't help adding more details, including a koi pond painted on the concrete pad next to the mural and butterfly wings that people can pose with. They consider the extras a "gift" to their community.
Mary said they have been approached about mural commissions while working on the Rhythm and Read project, but interested parties will have to wait a while — Mark is having back surgery later this month.
It's not because of his work on the mural — though his back problems, as well as the heat, made it a challenging endeavor.
It's better than sitting around, as far as Mary's concerned.
"The worst thing is to retire and do nothing."
— Emily Christensen is the managing editor of The SHOUT.
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