Hey! Where did my mural go?

"Safe Animals Safe Kids Mural" by BZTAT
“Safe Animals Safe Kids Mural” by BZTAT

On August 5, 2011, my “Safe Animals Safe Kids Mural” was dedicated in a prominent place in the Canton Arts District on the side of the Imperial Room Lounge at 4th Street and Court Ave. NW. I was thrilled to have it placed in such a visible place!

I was also thrilled that so many Promise Keepers contributed to my Kickstarter campaign for the project. That was in the early days of Kickstarter (before movie and rock stars discovered it), and everyone told me I was crazy to think it would work. I guess I showed them.

Today, though, the mural is gone, and a new public art project has begun to emerge on the side of the Imperial Room.

Tommy Morgan public art

What’s going on here? Where did my mural go?

Here’s the scoop.

Although the Imperial Room is in a highly visible spot, it truthfully was not a good spot for my mural. First of all, the wall was too large for the mural. Although the mural was  a good 12′ x 8′, it was dwarfed by the size of the building.

Second, the mural was defaced within the first month by, of all things, birds!

The wall was not designed to be an exterior wall, and years ago, there was another building beside it. Because of this original design, the grout between the bricks was soft, and birds have turned it into a habitat, building themselves little cubbies between the bricks.  My beautiful mural was covered in bird poop within weeks, and it has further deteriorated over the last 2 years.

Robb Hankins, President and CEO of ArtsinStark, and I met a few weeks ago to discuss the possibility of moving it to a location more suitable for the size and care of the artwork. We agreed moving it was a good idea.

BZTAT Safe Animals Safe Kids Mural
“Safe Animals Safe Kids Mural” by BZTAT Future Home

The mural will soon be placed on the wall of the ArtsInStark building at 900 Cleveland Avenue N.W. This too is a highly visible place. It does not have much foot traffic, but there is considerable vehicle traffic in this location, and the mural is designed for distance viewing.

As for the old space, I am told that it will become the location of a mural/sculptural piece by artist Tommy Morgan.

Tommy Morgan proposed public art

Tommy has created many public artworks in Canton. I am not a huge fan, but not a detractor either. Many artists in Canton have a strong dislike for his work. Still yet, as you can read in my post about his “Shattered Expressions” piece from a few years ago, I felt then, as I do now, that some of their disdain is overblown.

Some think it is sorta creepy and disrespectful for him to Photoshop his image over mine in his proposed project, leaving part of my piece visible. They also have expressed dismay that he  started putting his piece up before mine was removed.

I won’t get caught up in the drama. I am simply happy that my piece will be in a more suitable location.

I am also thankful for the support of ArtsInStark.

It will take some time to clean and repair the mural. Be watching for the mural’s re-emergence in the next few weeks.

I look forward to the mural continuing the mission of spreading the word about Okey’s Promise.

 

September 11 – Let There Be Peace

Flag On Angel's Wings Drawing by BZTAT
“On Angel’s Wings” Drawing by BZTAT

September 11, 2001 ushered in a new, dark era for my country. We were injured, and out of our injuries, we lashed out at those who we thought caused us pain. That war is still going on – in Afghanistan, in remote parts of the world, and within the hearts and minds of the American public.

It goes without saying that mistakes were made.

Overzealous politicos overplayed their hands, and we went way beyond righting wrongs. We perpetrated wrongs ourselves in the name or righting wrongs caused by others.

Now, our leaders are paralyzed to act when other purposes arise. We played the classic “Boy Who Cried Wolf” with the Iraqi War, and now, no one believes it when our president sees a need for world action.

I cannot say that I understand the current crisis facing our world’s leaders with the horrific actions of the Syrian government against its own people. I also cannot say where I stand on President Obama’s call for military action in Syria.

I CAN say that it causes me great sadness that there is so much mistrust and anger that our country’s leaders, and other world leaders, are completely incapable of acting when a need arises.

How do we get to a place where Americans act out of reason instead of anguish? How do we move beyond partisan politics and work towards collaborative solutions of our country’s and the world’s problems?

How do we let there be peace?

I still believe it is possible.

Today, I recommit myself to letting it begin with me.

 

 

 

 

Okey's Promise: Art Raising Awareness for Animals, Kids and Families

I started the fund raising campaign for the latest Okey’s Promise: Art for a Cause project many months ago. Several Promise Keepers have contributed to the project, yet it still remains way under the original fund raising goal.

I am still raising funds for the project, and I hope that you will consider contributing to the campaign. You can contribute here at the Okey’s Promise GoFundMe page.

Public Art Mural of a Boy Drawing
Design for Okey’s Promise Mural by BZTAT

The project will be scaled back if the goal is not reached, but it will be completed.

You can see what the project is about by watching the video. I think it tells the story better than anything I can write here. The overall mission for Okey’s Promise is to raise awareness to the connections between animal abuse, child abuse and domestic violence.

Public Art Mural of a girl and cat
Design for Okey’s Promise Mural by BZTAT

I have been working with an organization called Peace for Pets in Stark County, OH that provides foster care for the pets of families seeking shelter from domestic violence. We work closely with the Domestic Violence Project, Inc. to assist families in need so that finding safety for their pets is not a barrier to finding safety for themselves.

It is my hope that many other communities will adopt similar programs. It is so essential.

Public Art Mural of a Boy and a Dog
Design for Okey’s Promise Mural by BZTAT

Does your community assist families in domestic crisis with shelter for their pets? Please share in the comments.

And please consider contributing to the art project to raise awareness, and share with others.

Thank you for your support!