By Eric Curl
Jan. 12, 2025 – The city will be soon conducting several outreach efforts to gather feedback for a public art master plan. The first phase of public input will be a series of smaller, community focus group meetings for each aldermanic district, considered a “crucial” first step in laying the groundwork for the plan that is expected to be presented in the fall, according to City Manager Jay Melder’s recent memo to the council.
In August, the city council approved a $100,000 contract with Columbus, Ohio-based Designing Local for the plan to provide a citywide vision and process for public art in public parks and city facilities.
The city also contracted last year for its first street mural designed to beautify an area, while serving as a traffic calming measure, as recently reported. The “Magnolia Mural” by local artist Brian MacGregor is located in Cloverdale and similar projects could be completed in other neighborhoods if proven effective, according to city officials.