Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Jackson County to FERC: Uphold pipeline denial ... Teacher's Tips: Make summer memories last a lifetime by journaling ... Ticket availability ... Jackson County to FERC: Uphold pipeline denial ... Teacher's Tips: Make summer memories last a lifetime by journaling ... Ticket availability ... CITY COUNCIL Council OKs mural on Calle Guanajuato Comment By Julie Akins For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted May. 20, 2016 at 8:08 PM Updated May 21, 2016 at 11:30 AM By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted May. 20, 2016 at 8:08 PM Updated May 21, 2016 at 11:30 AM » Social News “This is a wall that doesn’t separate, that brings people together in joy and peace and love,” said Barry Thalden of the mural he and his wife, Kathryn, have commissioned on the wall on the west side of the Sesame Asian Kitchen restaurant at the entrance to Calle Guanajuato. Speaking of the entrance off Winburn Way to the Calle, Kathryn referred to it as currently a "big blank" that needed adornment, so — given that “Barry sees murals everywhere” — they decided to go to Ashland’s sister city, Guanajuato, to seek out a mural artist. They found her in Laura Rangel Villasenor, known professionally as Loreta. The Thaldens — who previously paid for a large mural on the side of the Ashland Food Bank on Clover Lane — presented a proposal to the Public Art Commission about the mural in December 2015. Since then, they received the sign off of the Ashland Historic Commission and city planning clearance. Artist Denise Baxter, who painted the mural at the Food Bank, will oversee the technical components of the design and color palette, as well as proper wall preparation. Southern Oregon University art students will also assist Villasenor. The Amigo Club also threw in their support for the mural, saying it better connects the cities, which already have relationships through city channels and the universities in both towns. The club now hopes to one day have an Ashland artist create a mural in Guanajuato’s Paseo de Ashland. Councilor Pam Marsh, executive director of the Food Bank, described a feeling of joy and gratitude in being able to see Baxter’s mural on its wall. “It brings beauty and joy," Marsh said. "We’re creating another wonderful sense of space.” The City Council unanimously approved the project (Mayor John Stromberg was in Washington, D.C., and missed the meeting). “It’s a great addition for this part of town. I can’t wait to see what you have in mind for the Elks Building,” chuckled Councilor Mike Morris, referring to another large, blank wall in the downtown area. In giving a resounding "yes" to the mural project, councilors also directed staff to allocate money covering the waived $1,012 permit fee. The Thaldens are paying all other costs for the public art project. Councilors thanked the Thaldens for their gift. “I love that this wall is very different than the wall touted in national news,” said Councilor Carol Voisin, referring to a proposal by a presidential candidate to increase the size of a wall separating the U.S. and Mexico. The goal is to have the 53-foot long by 24-foot high mural finished by the Fourth of July when a delegation of visitors from Guanajuato come to celebrate Independence Day with Ashland. With the fee waiver and all other processes complete, including a final sign-off by the Public Art Commission on Friday for an updated version of the mural with the city's landmark cathedral at the forefront, the artist is expected to get working shortly so she can finish in time. Arrangements have been made to work with the Lithia Artisans Market to avoid interruption of its weekly sale on the Calle. Email Ashland freelance writer Julie Akins at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ @julieakins. By Julie Akins For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted May. 20, 2016 at 8:08 PM Updated May 21, 2016 at 11:30 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501