The City of Reno is demanding local artists paint over a mural that was added downtown during last year’s mural festival. The city said that the artists did not have permission to put the mural at the Plaza and Lake Street location across from the bus depot.
“Art Spot Reno didn’t have the correct permission for this mural commissioned during the Reno Mural Expo last October — we thought we did — and was threatened with a fine and jail time,” said Geralda Miller of Art Spot Reno. “By order of the City of Reno, we will be returning the wall to its original beautiful beige color this Saturday at 1 p.m.”
The community is invited to participate in the flat beige paint-over.
“In true Tom Sawyer-style, you’re invited to be part of the process,” Miller said. “We’ll have paint, brushes, and rollers on hand and welcome your assistance. The artist, Asa Spades, will be applying the first strokes. Music (will be provided) by Spike McGuire, (and) coverall attire encouraged.”
City spokesperson Jonathan Humbert said the mural project never received permission from the city and the National Bowling Stadium.
“In mid-November of last year, the artist group was notified that this well-intentioned project sadly isn’t allowed and the stadium walls would need to be returned to their original color by the end of the 2018 Artown Festival,” he said. “Because the group did not follow the Public Art Proposal process, per R.M.C. 8.22.240, the city does not allow the painting of property without permission and we must have consistent policy enforcement to be fair to everyone.
“The City of Reno appreciates the efforts and progress of our arts community,” he added.
The Saturday “whitewashing” is listed as an Artown event: https://artown.org/event-details.asp?ID=3499
