OPINION: Some Pointers for Muralist David Larcom
David Larcom, mural artist extraordinaire, wrote a very peculiar letter to the Mountain Mail on July 23, sparse on facts, but long on innuendo. He suggests that poor David Larcom is being discriminated against by the City because they will not snap to, and approve his bowling alley mural on Highway 50.
What Mr. Larcom might consider is, that he may be his own worst enemy.
Here are some pointers for Mr. Larcom.
The "Salida Council for the Arts" and the "Public Art Task Force" are two separate entities that Mr. Larcom rolled into one name in his letter: “Council for the Arts Task Force”.
The Council for the Arts is a non-profit organization that promotes the arts in Salida through various avenues. It has nothing to do with approving public art.
The Public Art Task Force is a temporary task force, appointed by the City Council, to create new policy for installing public art. Their goal is to make it easier for artists to participate in public art, and to create public art applications, including request for proposals and request for quotes. They are also discussing the need for and selection of a City Arts Commission to manage public art.
Mr. Larcom popped into a Public Art Task Force meeting and asked to speak. He was obliged, and then asked for approval and $1000 to paint the bowling alley mural. Task Force chair William Boddy explained that the Public Art Task Force was not in a position to give direction or approve funding for his mural; they were formed only to create policy. The City Council could approve the mural and any funding for it.
Mr. Larcom then appeared at the July 15 City Council meeting. His mural project was not an agenda item. Instead, he presented his project during public comment, asking for the Council’s “blessing” to paint the mural.
Mr. Larcom’s letter insinuates that his request, made during public comment, was rebuffed by the City. That is disingenuous. Public comments at Council meeting are not voted on.
Truth is, Mr. Larcom is aware of the process to get mural approval, because he recently completed it with the "Model A" mural at Crawford Auto Parts. Under current code, an application for a creative sign must be completed for the mural, and then go to the planning commission for review, and appeal of that would go to the Council. The creative sign application allows flexibility from normal signage requirements.
Yet, David Larcom continues his attempt to circumvent the mural approval process instead of complying with it. That becomes tiresome for me and everyone else in the council chambers, including those he is addressing. Mr. Larcom plays victim, and then writes about it.
The hope is that a future Arts Commission will streamline the mural application process, but until that time the current code applies.
The mural that David Larcom proposes is not the issue. The problem is that, like Veruca Salt, Larcom wants his oompa loompa now. Because of that attitude, Veruca Salt unfortunately met her demise in the Chocolate Factory Nut Room.
