I had read about the efforts of volunteers to beautify downtown Richmond with paintings commemorating the history of the city, so this evening John and I went on the hunt to photograph some of these murals. Unfortunately some were no longer on display. Here is an explanation from Style Weekly, a local publication:
"The bright murals along Broad Street, in the new downtown arts district, were painted in early summer by teams of artists and volunteers. The beautification project was supported by Altria, Venture Richmond, HandsOn Greater Richmond, Johnson Inc. and well-known muralist Ed Trask.
After the murals were completed, city zoning enforcers realized three had broken the rules. They were on a short section of Broad that’s an official Old and Historic District, where any visible changes to building exteriors must first be approved by the commission.
The abstract painting of dancers at 508 W. Broad St. was actually done on a wooden panel, then attached to the brick, staff noted. The commission quickly gave it the OK.
Trask’s piece, a Waller family portrait on the side of the Waller & Co. Jewelers building at 16 E. Broad St., inspired some hand-wringing. The mural was painted on inferior brick that was only exposed when the building next door burned down, city staff pointed out. Nevertheless, one commission member said, the city’s guidelines dictate that “painting previously unpainted masonry is historically inaccurate and is not permitted.”
With two members dissenting, the commission approved the piece -- with the stipulation that future murals must be painted on removable panels."
Sometimes bureaucrats get so caught up in minutia, they fail to recognize the big picture. It is sad really.
This is the Trask mural celebrating the Waller family jewelry business. I photographed another Trask mural last year but can't remember when. If I find it, I will paste the link.
Such a shame they bickered over such a silly little thing! The city staff was right and thankfully the mural remained. It even looks like the mural not only pays tribute to a family who lives in the city, but it also protects the old bricks that originally were not exposed to the elelments. I'm glad that smarter votes prevailed. Great shot- love the colors and history!
Beautiful mural. Shame about all the red tape concerning their legality.
Over here if the council approves it - the design has to be presented before it's painted.
August 8th, 2011
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BTW, like your new (?) thumbnail!
Over here if the council approves it - the design has to be presented before it's painted.