Commission raises mural damage and reviews statue, bench and plaque installations; $442 grant balance allocated for rock and plaque

During the May 19 meeting, the Mesquite Public Arts Commission discussed a damaged mural at the theater and updates on statue installations and a commemorative rock project funded by a remaining grant balance.

A commissioner reported that city painting partially covered about 2 feet of a mural created by Miles and Emma Woods; because the mural was sealed to permit easy graffiti removal, the commissioner said the covered portion could not simply be painted over and that sandblasting and a repaint by the original artists may be required. Commissioners agreed they need a city staff representative and a contractor quote to assess restoration steps and costs before deciding on repairs.

Separately, commissioners said staff (Randy) is preparing concrete forms for two statues near the concession stand at Old Mill Ballpark, and the commission is ordering a bench to be placed near a statue in front of the library. Commissioners noted they have $442 remaining in a grant and that they plan to use those funds to purchase a rock and plaque honoring an early local civic leader (referred to as Anna Miller in the meeting). Jean Watkins was asked to coordinate rock selection and Shane Hughes to help secure it; Jean will order the plaque.

Commissioners praised the fire chief for arranging artwork wraps on a fire-station utility box and noted that fire department leadership is supportive of related statue concepts. The commission asked staff to coordinate with Miles to estimate restoration costs for the theater mural and to return with recommendations and quotes at a future meeting.