Mural

Downtown Parkersburg Set for Cultural Revamp with Proposed Public Art Mural at Judge Black Annex

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Parkersburg, W.Va. — Public art in downtown Parkersburg could soon be getting a vibrant expansion with a proposed mural initiative aiming to beautify and narrate the history of the area. Officials gathered Monday morning to discuss the prospective artwork planned for the exterior wall of the Judge Black Annex in Wood County. Senta Goudy, WVU Parkersburg’s Director of Civic Engagement, spearheaded the proposal during the Wood County Commission meeting, emphasizing the mural’s potential to enhance community engagement and celebrate local heritage. She proposed partnering with the Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley to ensure the … Read more

Battle of Art and Authority: West Virginia Capitol Mural Conflict Escalates into Courtroom Drama

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Charleston, W.Va. — A mural project within the historic State Capitol Building in West Virginia has sparked legal action, prompting discussions surrounding the intersection of public art, political influence, and historical legacy. Amidst political tumult, the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History faces a lawsuit that aims to halt the installation of murals, commissioned to John Canning and Co., a Connecticut-based company. The controversy primarily involves objections to the artistic content and the manner the artists were chosen. Attorney Michael Hissam, representing the West Virginia Department Department of Arts, Culture and History, filed … Read more

Lawsuit Challenges Launch of New Capitol Mural Initiative

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Phoenix, AZ — A legal challenge has been initiated in an attempt to halt a planned mural installation at Arizona’s state Capitol. Opponents of the project argue that the current process for approving the artwork fails to include sufficient public input, raising concerns about the themes and messages that will be depicted in such a prominent location. Advocates against the mural project filed the lawsuit, asserting that the Arizona Department of Administration, which gave the green light to the project, did not properly engage the community during the decision-making process. They emphasize the importance of … Read more

Exposing the Perpetrators: Patriot Front Members Behind Arthur Ashe Mural Vandalism Identified

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RICHMOND, Virginia — The mural of tennis legend Arthur Ashe in Battery Park, Richmond, was defaced by white supremacist graffiti in October 2021, causing concern among community members. The graffiti, which promoted the white supremacist group Patriot Front, was quickly removed after the park was temporarily closed. However, the incident sparked fear and unease in the neighboring Battery Park community. Months later, the media outlet Unicorn Riot was able to identify the perpetrators of the vandalism through leaked video footage. Patriot Front members had recorded themselves defacing the Ashe mural, intending to keep the footage … Read more