Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Art Mural Replacement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Clay Club cleared to begin Beardsley mural replacement; committee asks GlassFusion to present in January
Summary
The Sun City West properties committee agreed by consensus to let the Clay Club start replacing a deteriorating Beardsley mural with clay tiles on hardy plank backing, and asked the GlassFusion group to present its design at the January meeting. The committee discussed salvage, auctioning original panels and museum display options.
The Sun City West Properties Committee on Dec. 25 agreed by consensus to let the Clay Club begin work replacing a deteriorating mural at the end of the Beardsley hall, while reserving final design review for a January presentation from the community’s fused‑glass group.
During a presentation, a Clay Club representative described the proposed installation as an Arizona‑themed clay tile mural for a 47‑by‑71‑inch wall. “What we're asking for is to put hardy plank on the back so the tiles will not fall off,” the representative said, describing a plan to glue tiles with grout between squares and a two‑by‑three border of single‑color tiles.
The committee discussed preservation and disposition of the existing copper panels, which members said are peeling and at risk of further loss. The Clay Club said it would try to auction the removed artwork to help pay for materials and suggested preserving one reconstructed section for museum display. Committee members asked staff to attempt gentle removal to preserve panels if feasible; staff cautioned some pieces may be too deteriorated to salvage intact.
Some members urged preserving heritage where possible. “I would like to see it restored if possible,” committee member Suzanne said, while others noted the current panels are deteriorating and replacement may be needed to prevent further loss.
The committee did not take a formal vote; the chair stated that there was a consensus to allow Clay to proceed with its portion of the project and to invite GlassFusion to present its concept at the January meeting so the committee can review both designs before the governing board takes final budget or installation action.
Next steps: Clay may begin planning and scheduling once staff provide the procedural blessing; GlassFusion has been asked to present in January. Committee members said they want at least one of the original murals documented or preserved in a museum or display if removal is possible.
