The immediate public reaction on social media to the sudden loss of two downtown murals was shock and anger.
When first contacted about the loss last week Mayor Jim Romane did not even know the Tribute to the Railroad mural on the west side of the Innisfail Bowling Lanes building was painted over during the weekend of Aug. 24 and 25. The town centennial mural loss near the intersection of Main Street and 49th Avenue was less of a shock but still difficult to fathom. It had been partially covered over nearly two years ago by the construction of MRK Plaza.
However, the blight on the centennial mural, created in 2003 to honour the 100th anniversary of the town, was front page news two years ago. It was noted at that time by town officials there was no public art policy to protect them. Romane said it was an idea worth exploring.
“It has to be explored with affected parties involved. I am not saying no to it. I am only one person. I would love to hear from people….and information from other communities, what is involved and what it means, all of that,” said Romane in the Oct. 24, 2017 print edition of the Province. “I think they deserve an audience and we can put it out there for public discussion.”
Obviously, no serious discussion took place. Two beautiful pieces of public art are now gone forever. There are still three pieces left in the downtown core. The question must now be asked whether town council has the political will to begin this public discussion.
Romane said last week he would bring the issue up at tonight's Sept. 3 council Agenda & Priorities meeting. Hopefully, art-loving members of the community will be there to add their voices, perhaps offer some ideas.
Right now, according to town CAO Todd Becker, the issue is not on the immediate radar of consideration in the town's Strategic Plan process. However, there is nothing that forbids council from making it a priority. Elected members can change the priority list of the Strategic Plan any time they want.
When the town began planning its 100th anniversary about 20 years ago someone came up with the idea of having celebrated regional artist Ruth Jepson create a beautiful outdoor piece of public art that would celebrate the town's wondrous century-long journey forward from its first day as an incorporated pioneer town. Jepson created a magically stunning mural for all citizens and visitors to see. It is gone now.
The remaining ones do not have to be painted over as an afterthought.
Public art means exactly what it says, belonging to the public, for citizens who can smile and embrace the beauty of who we were and who we are today.
To simply let these magnificent works disappear without proper public discussion is not worthy of their beauty and meaning.
Johnnie Bachusky is the editor of the Innisfail Province.
