Carrboro's Community Mural Lives!

History of the Mural · The Mural Controversy · The Mural Repaint · A Poetic Conclusion

After several months of debate about the future of Carrboro's Community Mural, the Board of Aldermen drafted a resolution at its meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2003, which extends the deadline for fixing the mural so it meets the requirements of local ordinances. Artist Kimberli Matin of Metallorgy, who coordinated the creation of the mural, expressed relief and gratitude that a peaceful resolution to the problem seems to be at hand.

"What a nice thing for the Mayor to suggest," said Matin after hearing about the resolution. Kimberli will also be involved with the evolutionary phase of the mural, which will be left to the charge of the Carrboro Art Committee. Anyone who would like to be involved in the process should call Kimberli at 969-6886. Howard Dvorsky and Dale Carlson are two of the original artists who plan to be on hand for the event. The hope is to maintain as much of the original work as possible.

The Mural will be repainted on September 28 during the Carrboro Music Festival. The Mural was originally created last year during the Music Festival.

The resolution:

The following resolution was introduced by Alderman Jacquelyn Gist and duly seconded by Alderman Alex Zaffron.

A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE DEADLINE FOR MODIFYING THE WALL MURAL LOCATED AT 103 EAST MAIN STREET Resolution No. 169/2002-03

Whereas, local businesses and artists created a beautiful mural on the wall of Jade Palace Restaurant in downtown Carrboro; and

Whereas, the mural is in conflict with Carrboro's sign ordinance because of its use of commercial messages; and

Whereas, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen recognize the artistic merit of the mural and value the commitment of its creators to reflect the fabric of Carrboro's daily life; and

Whereas, the Board wishes to find a compromise that allows the mural, in some form, to remain.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE TOWN OF CARRBORO:

Section 1. That the deadline for removing or changing the mural shall be extended to September 28, 2003, the day of the Carrboro Music Festival or its rain date.

Section 2. That the Carrboro Art Committee shall be charged with making changes to the mural to bring it into compliance with our ordinances. The committee shall strive to rework the mural in a manner that retains its artistic integrity.

Section 3. That the abovementioned deadline shall only be extended if the creators of the mural agree to relinquish decision-making authority for its revision to the Carrboro Art Committee.

The foregoing resolution having been submitted to a vote, received the following vote and was duly adopted this 13th day of May, 2003:

Ayes: Joal Hall Broun, Mark Dorosin, Jacquelyn Gist, Diana McDuffee, Michael Nelson, Alex Zaffron

Noes: John Herrera

Absent or Excused: None