In recent years, local artists have banded together to create murals on buildings providing us with public art. They combine brilliant colors in visuals that stimulate critical and analytical thinking. Beautification of buildings in older neighborhoods is an effective way to revitalize areas in which the original splendor has faded with time. Older buildings are emerging as excellent canvasses for creativity. Murals are a simple solution to building bridges between neighborhoods and opening channels of communication between neighborhood stakeholders. Art is serving one of its purposes – to stimulate communication through visual representation.

The mural on the wall of the Neighborhood Thrift Store has brought us together by contingents being at odds. To understand the mural and the controversy, one must see it first hand to experience their own senses with it, as photographs make it appear morose and foreboding. Everyone interprets art in their own way, and it may be different than what the artist’s vision is. To me the mural tells the story of the natural riches of the valley that we share with the world for the survival of mankind. The Central Valley is lush with life and vitality, rich with vast lands that create abundant agricultural resources that feed the world. The rivers, lakes and mountains of Mother Earth give rise to the ebb and flow of life. Farm workers are honored for their contributions in providing the world with food. The center of the mural is a baby in a cradle of the natural agricultural riches that are the strength of the Valley. The three men represent the gifts that we have from our rich agricultural resources – a vibrant and growing community, prosperity and world wide communication.

The Fresno Arts Council is currently in the process of updating the Cultural Arts Plan. This plan was adopted five years ago with input from the arts community. We have recently requested input from stakeholders in the cultural arts as we update the plan. One of the six goals in the plan is to promote public art. We believe that there are foundational assumptions for public art. 1) Public art should be protected. 2) Public art should not unrealistically restrict artistic creativity. 3) The perspective of residents and stakeholders should be considered prior to installation of a public art project.

The Fresno Arts Council encourages comments on public art as community members come together to consider the creation of a public art policy. Please send comments to
cindy@fresnoartscouncil.org or mfranco@fresnoartscouncil.org.

We look forward to hearing from you,

Cindy Dunn,
Executive Director

Still, too bad that such a major human effort is probably going to just be covered over. Just a big waste. Maybe it should have been painted in Santa Cruz or along Venice Beach.

Arnie

Many residents believe the Tower has become a dumping ground for activities no other neighborhood in the city would tolerate. As far as they are concerned, there are far too many recovery, sober living, or parolee houses and social service agencies (including the church aligned ones), attracting undesirables to the area.

Couple that to the long-standing controversy over who should make decisions for the neighborhood–the residents or the business owners, who are preceived by many as putting their interests first and the neighborhood a distant second. The reaction to the streetscape meetings from several residents epitomize this.

I’m not surprised the thrift store may now be concerned about its relationship with the Tower. A number of people have, in recent years, expressed to me their concern (and displeasure) with the increased number of storefront churches and associated activities in the neighborhood, particularly along Olive Avenue. Too many people are aware of the attempts by Peoples Church to acquire the Tower Theatre after Dottie died.