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Walsenburg group seeks county support for Main Street mural; requests small pledge or letter to aid fundraising
Summary
The Walsenburg Downtown Revitalization Committee proposed a community‑engagement mural at 7th and Main, presented a $40,747 project budget and asked the county for possible funding help or an endorsement letter to leverage grants.
Thomas Orr, speaking for the Walsenburg Downtown Revitalization Committee, asked the board to consider supporting a large “welcome to Walsenburg” mural on a privately owned building at 7th and Main. Orr said the building owner has agreed in principle, the committee has identified artist Matt Reffick as a preferred contractor, and the group has submitted grant applications to several foundations and institutions.
Orr presented a project budget the committee is targeting at $40,747 and said the group has budgeted for two public engagement sessions and a community survey to gather ideas for the mural’s content. He described a community process that would allow residents to contribute sketches and ideas that would be synthesized into a cohesive design, and said the artist plans to invite community members to participate during the mural festival event.
Orr asked for county help “to get the ball rolling” — suggesting either a small financial pledge (a few thousand dollars) or a county letter of support on county letterhead to strengthen other grant applications. He noted the building is for sale and said the group was drafting contract language with the building owner and the artist to preserve the mural for a stated period if the property changes hands.
Commissioners acknowledged the proposal and raised the practical question of how to ensure a mural remains in place if the building is sold; Orr said the committee will include ownership/maintenance provisions in the artist and property contract, including a potential 10‑year protection clause. County members suggested a letter of support could be useful even if the board cannot commit funds immediately because of capital constraints, and one commissioner suggested the project return later for further discussion after the county’s audit and budget reviews.
Orr said he would be willing to return to the board and to present to the tourism board about funding and promotion. The board encouraged continued communication and asked staff to consider whether a letter of support is appropriate at this time.
The board did not take a funding vote at the meeting.
