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Norwalk council approves $70,000 Ely Avenue mural amid debate over artist-selection process
Summary
The Norwalk Common Council voted Oct. 14 to authorize a contract with artist Jermaine West for an Ely Avenue fencing mural for up to $70,000 after public comment praising the artist and calling for changes to the Arts & Cultural Commission's selection process.
The Norwalk Common Council voted Oct. 14 to authorize Mayor Harry W. Rilling to execute a contract with artist Jermaine West for an Ely Avenue fencing mural not to exceed $70,000.
The decision follows public comment and council discussion about both the merits of West’s design and broader concerns about how the city selects artists for public art projects. Supporters said West’s ties to Ely Avenue and plans for community engagement make him a suitable choice; some residents and one council member called for reforms to the Arts and Cultural Commission’s processes and for the mural to better reflect local history and include women’s names in the design.
Resident Diane Lorcello told the council she and others see a recurring problem with how artists are recruited and selected, saying the process has “resulted in…
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