Waterbury, Conn. –Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Pascal Meccariello will be returning to the Dominican Republic after teaching at Naugatuck Valley Community College this last year, but a piece of his artistry will remain at the school forever.

Meccariello shared his artistry with the Naugatuck Valley Community College community on Tuesday, when he unveiled his ceramic mural entitled ‘Sungarden,’ which he bequeathed to the college in remembrance of his time at the school.

NVCC faculty and students took a first look at the 15-foot wide ceramic mural during an unveiling ceremony on May 21, admiring the lasting symbol of the college’s commitment to international cultures.

“I try to communicate through symbols that relate to the daily lives of humans,” Meccariello said. “This garden is a place of openness to the outside world, a space that invites to be filled with the shower of emotions.”

NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis Ph. D. said Meccariello’s contribution to NVCC embodies the school’s commitment to strengthening its Arts and Humanities program, and increased exposure to cultural diversity.

“Pascal’s work is a tribute to the soul of this institution,” De Filippis said. “I am extremely grateful for his wealth of talent and big heart. He related to the students and they related to him, and now he leaves a part of his here with us.”

Meccariello, a native of the Dominican Republic, came to NVCC in October to teach “Ceramics” and “Caribbean Art and Culture.” He said one of the most rewarding aspects of his experience at NVCC was discovering so much talent within students with no experience, and also sharing information about his Carribean culture.

“I was most surprised by how many students had never touched clay before, but they made amazing things,” Meccariello said. “I was also surprised by how much we learned about each other’s cultures-it was a really intensive process of enrichment.”

Meccariello’s work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout the Dominican Republic, South America and the United States. He said he’ll remain in CT for the month of June before returning to Santo Domingo to pursue his professional art career.