Public Arts Commission, mayor seek call for artists for 250th mural on American Legion wall

Jim O'Brien, chair of the Public Arts Commission, told the Smart Growth Committee on Sept. 10 that the commission and the mayor are preparing a call for art to create a mural marking the nation's 250th anniversary. The commission identified the east-facing wall of the American Legion building at 259 Eastgate as the primary canvas and hopes to have a dedication on July 4, 2026. O'Brien said the commission wants to release a call for art now so artists have time to develop and submit designs, undergo jury review and allow for revisions. "Basically, we want to proceed with releasing the call for art because we're trying to keep a timeline of having a dedication, on July 4, which... requires us to kind of get things going," he said. The commission is exploring fundraising and possible expansion to the facing wall across the street to create a gateway effect. Committee members noted seed funds are available in the boards/commissions fund should the PAC require initial financing for the design competition. No final design or formal funding request came before the committee on Sept. 10; the committee gave a green light to release the call for art and asked the PAC and mayor to return with specifics as the project develops. Ending: The Public Arts Commission will proceed with the call for art and return with a proposed design process, jury criteria and any funding requests as plans mature.