July 26, 2003
'Richmond Neighborhood' Mural To Be Replaced, Design Contest Announced
Photo By Metro Murals
Since 1984, Barbara Johnstone's "Richmond Neighborhood" mural has adorned the western wall of the building on the northeast corner of SE 39th and Division (currently a Rite Aid). As part of its mission to promote community murals, Metro Murals is undertaking a project (scroll down to Announcements) to put a new work in its place:
Rite Aid is seeking sketches for a 300 square foot replacement mural for the front wall of its 39th and Division store. The contest is open to all artists. ... The winning design will be selected by neighborhood vote from three designs chosen by a panel. The mural will be painted in October or early spring, depending on the weather. The artist is expected to help with the mural painting and the mural process alongside community members. Artists will be paid a modest stipend.
Under the City's sign code, renovations of murals which existed prior to changes to that code (which have sparked so much resurrected controversy of late) are permitted, since permission for those murals is grandfathered into the law.
I was curious, however, as to whether replacing an existing mural with an entirely new work is protected in the same manner, or if this project potentially could run afoul of the sign code. According to Jean Baker of the Richmond Business Association:
I checked with the city sign department and was told that as long as the mural was grandfathered in and the new mural was no larger than the original, we could paint a new image.
The Rite Aid mural was originally painted on Kienow's in 1984 and the replacement mural will be the same size, so there is no problem and no permit is required. If we can't get the new mural up in less than six months from the time the original is taken off, we have to put a small rose logo in each corner of the mural space to indicate a legal mural will be painted there.
I haven't found what the rose logo looks like, but it seems to be a standard marker.
Artists interested in participating in the design contest should pick up an application at the Rite Aid on SE 39th and Division, and must be returned by mail (Rite Aid, 2440 SE 39th Avenue, Portland OR 97214) or by hand at the store until August 15, 2003. Designs should display some aspect of community. Questions should be directed to Jean Baker.