City OKs $20,000 lodging-tax funded mural on First Street; artist to begin in fall

The Mount Vernon City Council on Aug. 27 approved a parks-and-recreation agreement with artist Mary Iverson to produce a mural on the rear wall of the Harmsen Land Surveyor building on First Street, funded by a $20,000 lodging-tax grant. Jennifer Berners, Parks and Recreation director, told council the building owner approached the arts commission seeking a mural; the arts commission applied for and received $20,000 in lodging-tax funds to pay an artist. Berners said the call for artists was distributed widely and the arts commission selected Iverson, an instructor at Skagit Valley College, from two submissions. Berners said the proposal includes a minimum 10-year commitment from the building owner that the artwork will remain on the wall while lodging-tax funds were used. The artist plans to begin work in September, engage students in the project, and aim for completion by the end of the year, weather permitting. Berners said a “trompe” effect design — a painted break-through appearance — was refined in consultation with the arts commission. Councilmembers asked about protective coatings and maintenance. Berners said either the city staff or the artist could apply anti-graffiti coating and noted the property owner will provide rights to repair and maintain the mural as part of the agreement. During discussion Councilmember Richard said, “When I saw the sticker price, I guess I'm a little shocked at the price of this thing,” and Berners and other council members discussed the grants market and how public art can attract visitors and support downtown revitalization. Councilmember Melissa Beaton moved approval; the motion passed on a voice vote. Berners said the artist hopes to start in September and will post images on the city website so the public can preview the design. The mural will be paid from a lodging-tax grant awarded specifically for the project; the city and the building owner executed a three-party agreement that includes a 10-year minimum display term and rights for the city to repair and maintain the artwork.