BERLIN – Local officials had nothing but praise to offer for a public mural proposed for the side of the town’s visitor center.
On Tuesday, members of the town council voiced their support of the public art mural proposed by the Berlin Arts and Entertainment Committee. Last week, the town’s historic district commission also approved the idea.
“I think the concept is brilliant,” Councilman Dean Burrell said Tuesday. “It feels like a feel good project.”
Merchants that make up the Berlin Arts and Entertainment Committee developed the concept of installing a mural on the wall of the visitor center as the town renewed its designation as an Arts and Entertainment District. Committee member Robin Tomaselli said that though there was a mural in Stephen Decatur Park, one on the north wall of the visitor center would be more visible and would encourage art appreciation.
“Right now the side of that building is a blank canvas,” she said.
Tomaselli said the mural would be a piece of community artwork, painted by the town’s residents with the help of artist Jon Donato. It would be done on panels, which could be painted anywhere in town and then hung on the wall of the visitor center. She said the first panel, which had been paid for through a private donation, would be painted at Buckingham Elementary School by students there.
“It allows us to work on it through the winter,” she said, adding that she hoped it would be ready to unveil in the spring.
Tomaselli said Donato, who recently helped students at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School do a mural, was the ideal person to lead the effort in Berlin.
“His gift, it’s not just art, it’s being able to make a connection with the people he paints with,” she said.
Donato said he considered himself an educator as well as an artist.
“It’s such a strong tool if you use it wisely,” he said, crediting the town for its interest in the arts. “Berlin’s a trailblazer when it comes to progressive towns.”
Council member Lisa Hall said she had seen panels similar to the ones proposed hung in Annapolis.
“They looked really nice,” she said, adding that she liked the fact that the panels could be moved.
Mayor Gee Williams called the project inspirational.
“I love the fact that it’s a living project,” he said. “I don’t think we should put limits on our dreams and on what might happen over time.”
The council voted unanimously to approve a resolution in support of the project. Berlin Arts and Entertainment Committee members are expected to go back to the historic district commission with more details on the project when they’re available.