Five local men will be honored Oct. 14 in the annual 100 Men of Color Gala and Awards at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, including Norwich artist Ellis Ruley, the only posthumous award to be presented.

The event, a scholarship fundraiser hosted by June Archer and Eleven28 Entertainment, honors men for contributions in education, business, entertainment, government and service.

Ruley, a self-taught folk artist, died under mysterious circumstances on Jan. 16, 1959. He was found dead at the bottom of a long hill that led to his rustic home on Hammond Avenue. While Ruley never flourished as an artist – he sold his paintings for small amounts on the lawn of Norwich Free Academy – interest revived in his work years after his death. This year, Norwich established a committee to create a public arts park at his former homestead property, now owned by the city, and a documentary about his life, art and death is in the works.

Ruley's great-granddaughter, Dianne Laiscell, will accept the award in Ruley's memory.

Along with Ruley, Norwich Police Sgt. Michael McKinney, Norwich Free Academy Diversity Director Leo Butler, New London state Rep. Ernest Hewett and former New London star basketball player Tyson Wheeler will be honored at this year's event.

The gala will begin with a VIP reception at 7 p.m. followed by the awards presentation at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $53.50 to $100 for VIP tickets. Call (860) 987-5900.

c.bessette@theday.com