ToquiNotes: Sometimes Messy Secret Hidden in Plain Sight that is Responsibility of City Manager Wetmore
By Jeff Toquinto on February 20, 2021 from ToquiNotes
I am not the right person to talk to when it comes to the fine arts or an evening involving the arts. It is not that I do not appreciate the arts, I am just not savvy when it comes to recognizing it.
To me, fine art is often a six-pack, a bag of chips and Animal House for an evening. For those who do understand what art is, they would be quick to tell me that does not qualify.
Perhaps Bridgeport City Manager Randy Wetmore will forgive me for not noticing what was hidden in plain sight in his office upon many visits to it since he assumed his current position. But there it was, and when I finally noticed it, I realized it was a pretty unique situation.
And thus, the reason for this blog.
You see, Wetmore’s office has its share of art – a trio of pieces on the wall and three more sitting around his space (and even more on 
shelves at home). This much I did know when looking at it, the art was abstract in nature.
shelves at home). This much I did know when looking at it, the art was abstract in nature.
What I did not know was who the artist was. Come to find out, the individual responsible for the paintings was the person standing in front of me – Randy Wetmore.
“That’s from my basement,” said Wetmore as he pointed out a unique piece situated on the wall directly behind him. “I have a little spot in my basement where I do and spend my quiet time. This is what brings me relaxation.”
The look is definitely unique and not necessarily with a specific meaning. With Wetmore’s work, it might be inspired more by how he is feeling than as opposed to a specific object.
“When I go down to where I paint and really throw the paint, there may be darker paints or there may be really bright paint like you see in my office,” said Wetmore. “When I think about it, I believe the colors are simply mood reflections.”
Abstract art is visually different (of course there are those who will say all art is different) than most art. If you are not sure, look at what is pictured here or in the gallery below. Or think of Pablo Picasso or Jackson Pollock.
As I took in what was in front of me, I asked Wetmore about his formal training in painting. I asked him how long he had been enjoying the craft. What I heard was surprising.
“I started painting when I was 60. I always wanted to be creative and decided I better get started if I’m going to do it,” he said. “I think I’ve gotten better over the last six years, but it’s not so much doing this to have a valued piece of art. This is a stress reliever.”
Stress is common with any job. When you oversee an annual budget of eight figures and responsibility for multi-million-dollar projects and everything from someone successfully flushing the toilet to successful emergency service calls making a final stop at your feet, stress relief is necessary. Painting does just that and, surprisingly, turns back the clock.
“When I’m painting, I feel like a five-year-old and some seeing my work might think that a five-year-old painted,” said Wetmore. “At times, I even get messy like a little kid, but this is the best release I have to find a way to enjoy myself away from everything else even though I still enjoy the commitment of work and family.”
The only thing Wetmore said he regrets about painting is he wishes he would have found it sooner. That led me to question that even though he was not painting earlier in life, he had to have flirted with it or at least been a connoisseur of art.
“Prior to starting when I was 60, I had no dabbling in art prior to that. I went to art museums and have appreciated art later in my life, but nothing from the past,” said Wetmore.
Wetmore added that he is "envious of individuals who can really do some very creative things, art, carving, knife making, drawing, fixing up cars , cooking up creative meals, etc. I enjoy seeing people do things that bring smiles to their faces. I truly like seeing their expressions when they are talking about the things they have made. You can just tell they had a great time doing it. I know I have that expression when talking about my creations."
While finding it unique, my limited knowledge of art and those who I know that dabble, typically are not doing abstract work. They are involved in painting flowers, outdoor scenes or perhaps portraits or even wildlife.
“My appreciation later for art was really good art. Initially, I saw abstract and thought that couldn’t be art. I was wrong,” said Wetmore. “You find out quickly it is hard to try to make something even remotely as close or in the vicinity of something as good as you see that is museum quality. I am amazed at how well people do their thing with abstract art.”
The city manager’s moonlighting hobby, which also includes photography, may be fantastic abstract art. It may not. I am certainly not one to be in a position to judge. Then again, it would not matter as Wetmore is in it for an outlet of the grind of daily life, not for praise, fame, or cash.
“Some have noticed it, some don’t. I enjoy what I hear when someone notices it. They say something along the lines of ‘that’s interesting, I guess.’ That is what I have heard here and other places I’ve worked where I’ve had my paintings out,” said Wetmore, who paints on canvas, usually two feet by three feet pieces of work. “I’m just happy if someone notices them and wants to talk about them.”
The talking will continue as Wetmore plans to continue. He looks on Pinterest and YouTube for ideas and even techniques and applies that to what he is already doing.
“I’m self-taught and having fun,” said Wetmore. “I encourage others to try it.”
I may have to pass, at least until I am 60. Besides, I can always enjoy his work, and he can tell me more about it when I invite him over to watch Animal House with a few cold ones with some chips. That way, he can enjoy my type of fine art while I get a better appreciation of his.
"I would encourage people to try things. It doesn’t matter if you are great or even good at it, as long as you enjoy it. I am a prime example of that," he said.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows City Manager Randy Wetmore in his basement paint shop, while one of his pieces of art is shown in the second photo and more are in the gallery below. Bottom photo shows Wetmore with his brush down and his pen up at a City Council meeting.
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