Drawn Here: Stories from Hartford's North End - Connecticut Museum of Culture and History

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

A new major exhibition opening on February 12, explore the migration history and culture of Hartford’s North End through a series of original graphic novels developed by local students and professional artists. Creative writing and history come together to examine themes of movement, identity, and belonging.

The North End has been home to migrants for hundreds of years. The experiences of the Irish, Italians, Eastern Europeans, Black Southerners, West Indians, Puerto Ricans, and others who have made the neighborhood their home, whether briefly or for generations, add nuance and depth to our understanding of what it means to be American.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

As you walk through the exhibition, immerse yourself in five unique stories developed by students of Classical Magnet School in Hartford, CT, and illustrated by professional artists. Through interactive audio elements, hear the voices of community members past and present, and discover objects from the North End’s history.

Drawn Here: A Neighborhood Story depicts over 400 years of change in Hartford’s North End. Illustrated by Jacqueline C.J. Barnes.
Drawn Here: A Family Story follows the fictional Smith family from Americus, GA to Hartford and their search for safe, affordable, and stable housing. Illustrated by Tyrone “ZeroSnake” Motley.
Drawn Here: A Faith Story drops in on a mother-daughter walk that becomes a lesson in North End religious history. Illustrated by Irene Pham.
Drawn Here: A Leadership Story joins a young immigrant woman on her journey to find not just work but also belonging in her new community. Illustrated by Jaime Alphonso.
Drawn Here: A Community Story explores the North End’s intangible culture, from music to food to sports. Illustrated by Samuel Ferri.

Top image credit: Samuel Ferri
Headline image credit: (left to right) Irene Pham, Jaime Alphonso, Tyrone “ZeroSnake” Motley, Jacqueline C.J. Barnes.

RELATED EVENTS

Exhibition Opening Reception
Thursday, February 12 @ 5:30 pm
Free and open to the public
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MEET THE ARTISTS

Jaime Alphonso

"I come from an immigrant family. What I bring to this project is not just my unique style and experiences, but also my understanding. While not every immigrant experience is the same...I like to think that we're all connected by our love for aspects of our cultures."

Jacqueline C. J. Barnes

"While I do not live in Hartford, as an African American the story of immigration in this country is inextricably linked to our history...defending the immigrant community is as vital as defending myself."

Samuel Ferri

"As a cartoonist and community arts educator, I'm drawn to a project that uses comics to elevate real voices and underrepresented histories. This one...merges storytelling, visual art, and civic memory in a way that connects young people with the legacy of their community."

Tyrone "ZeroSnake" Motley

"I am proud to have been born in Hartford. I often speak to the older generations on their experiences here as the time passed. The opportunity to depict and educate people on Hartford with my art was instantly a point of interest."

Irene Pham

"I come from a family of Vietnamese Americans. Being a second-generation eldest daughter, I had a hard time describing how I felt in relation to both my parents and my peers. As a result, I've turned my own abstract thoughts into visual narratives in order to process them the best I can."