Art Under the Bridge provides a focal point in Heritage Park for large works of art specifically commissioned for eight 8-foot by 8-foot spaces between cement pillars supporting the I-95 overpass. "Urban Art" is the theme of the first four panels, which were selected in a competition held earlier this year. The panels will be unveiled during the opening ceremonies for Heritage Park. Four additional panels are planned for unveiling during the 2002 SoNo Arts Celebration. Each year thereafter, plans call for the unveiling of eight new panels representing themes that will include works from local children and other local artists. Our inaugural artists are:

THE ARTIST:
Jerry Jerrod Bookhart is a Norwalk native whose artistic promise was evident at an early age, leading to his selection for the Special Art class for gifted artists in middle school. At this same time he developed a passion for the alternative artform called "grafitti," an interest that continued into high school.

There, where he was voted "Most Artistic" by his classmates, Bookhart also became interested in photography, learning photographic and photo processing techniques. Bookhart furthered his photography studies at Norwalk Community College and now works as a freelance photographer. In August, 2000, he and two friends opened Lexicon Art Gallery, a showcase for fine photography and paintings in downtown Norwalk.

THE ARTWORK:
This piece represents the past that must never be forgotten. She is the slave-child that worked the fields from early light to dark night. Although it is a sad reality, it is reality.

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THE ARTIST:
Will Corprew Will Corprew is a Norwalk native, whose involvement with art began in grade school. His interest in the "graffitti" artform helped him develop skills in color, styling techniques and select media and, eventually, led him to mural work. Throughout high school, Corprew attended AP art classes and workshops, where he acquired new techniques and skills, while continuing to implement the informal skills he had learned on his own. He applied his knowledge of color and painting to creating pieces that moved him and allowed him to get deeply into his work. Acknowledging the constant mix and change of time, Corprew believes that some things shouldn't stay the same -- that the artist should create something new and exciting with every work.

THE ARTWORK:
Feel Jazz (Dedicated to John Coltrane)
This piece comes from the feelings evoked while listening to jazz. John Coltrane, one of my favorite musicians, inspired the dedication of this piece. Coltrane’s work, and that of other great musicians, has influenced my work and productivity in many ways. Personally - art and jazz are a way of life.

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THE ARTIST:
Edwin "Sweep" Cruz is a native of Norwalk who began drawing at a very young age and developed his skills at home and on the street. His "graffitti" style works appear on various inanimate objects and in custom, commissioned works on clothing, canvas and furniture. Cruz’s permanent mural projects include "Unity," which now hangs in Roton Middle School, a mural on Crespo Market on South Main Street, a free-standing mural in Ryan Park, and a collaborative effort with Jahmane West in Carlton Court. Some of his first large-scale non-permanent works were on the bridge support structures where Art Under the Bridge will hang. Cruz has exhibited his original painted furniture and clothing designs at The SoNo Arts Celebration and as part of the Kultjah Designz clothing group.

THE ARTWORK:
Spotlight (on the Artform Called Graffitti)
The artform called graffitti has been looked at as a negative form of expression -- banned and painted over -- and not appreciated for its beauty. It is part of the urban, ghetto community -- kids expressing their emotions and ideals visually in complex and simple ways. The mainstream community sees the defacing (which it is), but the artists have found no other outlet, no other way to "feel like I'm somebody" and be part of something that will make their community happy.

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THE ARTIST:
Jahmane West is a Norwalk native whose artistic career began in the form of "Urban Art" and has evolved into mural projects, works on canvas, gallery works, media production and graphic design. West is the founder of Kultjah Dezigns, an independent clothing label based in Norwalk, and is a member of the Lexicon Creative Group. Through years of formal training and experience in "Urban Art," West has developed a unique style that combines spirituality, mythology and social awareness.

THE ARTWORK:
Title: ELEKTRA 7.0
This piece is based on the concept that information is power. The more knowledge you obtain and use to improve yourself and your environment, the closer you will come to true happiness. The green woman symbolizes fertility and growth. The mandala around her head represents spiritual change and development. The computer and matrix are among today's major forms of information gathering and dissemination. Whether through technology, art, media or the study of everyday life, however . . . the fact remains . . . Information is Power.

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