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Monroe schedules Feb. 11 public hearing after selecting artists for downtown mural project
Summary
Council called for a Feb. 11 public hearing on a downtown mural project. Two artists were selected from 14 submissions; the first mural is proposed for the Wiggins building at Franklin and Stewart streets using $35,000 budgeted this fiscal year.
Mayor Burns and City staff on Jan. 14 advanced the City of Monroe's downtown mural project and called for a public hearing on Feb. 11 to consider the first installation.
City planning staff member Lisa Holowell told the council the project began with a request for qualifications issued in July that drew 14 submissions; five were shortlisted and four interviewed. "You have before you a presentation on the downtown mural project and also a request for a public hearing to be held at your February council meeting," Holowell said, summarizing the selection process and next steps.
A review team of four Monroe staff members and two community leaders scored candidates on artist statement, portfolio, design approach and experience. The Downtown Advisory Board recommended two artists: the collective Girls Who Paint (top-ranked) and artist Andy Clarkson. Holowell said the city expects to execute one contract as soon as the public-hearing process is complete and to present a rendering at the February meeting after a roughly two‑week design phase.
The Downtown Advisory Board recommended the first mural for the Wiggins building at the corner of Franklin and Stewart streets. Holowell said the mural would cover a 15‑by‑28‑foot subset of the façade between seven windows and that the building owner, John Wiggins, has been "a very willing participant in the design phase so far." The city budget includes a $35,000 appropriation from the May budget workshop to fund at least one mural; staff said that appropriation likely will fund two murals and that a grant application could fund a third.
Holowell said the city will execute a contract with the artist, complete a design review with a special group formed for the project and bring a recommended rendering to the Downtown Advisory Board before seeking final council approval. She added the city will enter a memorandum of agreement with the artist and building owner addressing encroachment and maintenance; the city will include ongoing maintenance in the municipal budget and be responsible for upkeep if the mural remains on city property or under city agreement.
Downtown Director O'Keefe addressed related questions about other possible sites and safety concerns for specific locations. He said some high‑visibility walls (for example on Jefferson and Depot streets and the Dow Theater) were considered but that not all owners have agreed to host murals.
The council approved a motion to call a public hearing on Feb. 11, 2025, to consider the item.
The public‑hearing date will be the next formal opportunity for the council to review artist renderings, owner agreements and the final contract terms before awarding and starting installation.
