The mural project is an example of searching for a solution to a problem that does not exist. The wall along side Huron Parkway is already very expensive and quite beautiful. A mural will only be expensive, fade over time, will not appeal to some and is expensive.

What is the agenda here? Next the city will want to paint mural on the new $1.5 million new sidewalk along Washtenaw which in itself seems a total waste of money because it parallels an identical sidewalk across the street.

The retaining walls along Huron Parkway are made of concrete, rusted steel and block. While this may sound plain and unattractive, in reality, these materials are well-suited to the natural surroundings and blend in well. There are shrubs planted along the tops that have grown and started to hang down over the walls, which further softens and “naturalizes” them. As is stands, hundreds of people drive by each day and probably don’t even notice these walls. They certainly don’t stick out and distract drivers like they would if they were painted.

I personally don’t think the Percent for Art program is legally constructed, and I especially don’t like the way AAPAC has managed taxpayer/ratepayer money that should have remained dedicated to streets, parks, and water and sewer costs. Having said that, if they insist on decorating the retaining walls along Huron Parkway, I hope they’ll at least consider using something other than paint, like etching a subtle design into the concrete with a sandblaster.

But if they’re really that desperate for art projects to do, how about decorating the fire stations with living statues? You know, those performance artists formerly known as fire-fighters?

Or is the AAPAC out of touch with what people desire as public art?

Will the AAPAC continue it’s mural program, which is not a very original idea, or seek other voices and novel ideas?

Oh perhaps a tax payer who just saw the increase approved in the City water bill? That would be a novel idea.