Murals can energize space, bring people together and make them feel really positive, we heard from the artist overseeing the work on a mural behind Powell River Public Library [“Mural brings colour to community space,” September 21]. The two artists creating the mural hope the piece will inspire other murals in Powell River.
This article gave me a flash of insight (or foolishness). Why not make the derelict former Inn at Westview building into a public mural?
I recognize city council is caught between a rock and a hard place about what to do with this building. There is no easy solution, but I believe the mural idea is worth serious consideration.
Hiring artists to transform the eyesore into a public mural would cost far less to the taxpayers than having to foot the bill for demolition (and the accompanying legal fees for all the wrangling with the owner, not to mention a costly engineering report). This strategy would give the owner more time to deal with the building, and not be let off the hook.
Imagine everyone feeling positive about the Inn at Westview. A perfect “canvas” for a work of art, with all sides of the building accessible for viewing. Can’t you see it in your mind’s eye now? A mural to end all murals, absolutely stunning!
The library project generated submissions from artists all over Canada, which are all on file in the hope that the library mural “will be the first of many public art projects.”
Most of the work is done, so what are we waiting for? On second thought, perhaps it is foolishness, because eventually the masterful work of art would have to go, and that would be a shame. But, at least, we would have the enjoyment of the mural for a while, and the fun of watching it come to life.
Jan Grants
Westminster Street
