- 101 Freeway in LA – Caltrans’ solution- paint it out.
Of the 10 murals painted along Los Angeles Freeways to celebrate the 1984 Olympics, 7 have been painted out by Cal Trans and the other three are slated for being painted out with the excuse that its will be for “their protection against graffiti”! What art conservation expert gave them that strategy?!
A few years ago, I was the expert witness for the federal government when they painted out a large famous mural in LA. Without going into details, my determinations, testing and recommendations resulted in a $1.2 million settlement for the artist. Interestingly enough, one of the lawyers from the artist’s legal team called me up last week and asked if this time, I would be on their team to address the Cal Trans issues.
First off, let me say, I am not the expert witness for one side or the other. I am an advocate for the artwork and my cleaning tests and feasibility tests result one way or another no matter who is paying my bill.
So, with that in mind, I was approached to be on the Advisory Board of the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA) who is getting a surge of new energy to be an active player in LA. MCLA was created in 1987 as a community-supported organization to preserve and protect LA’s diverse and culturally historic public Mural Arts. I’m assuming that it’s a chance to connect with quality impassioned people for public mural art that can make a difference.
I’ll keep you updated.
Mural conservation restoration questions? Call toll free 888 704 7757
What can you do at home to protect and save your collectibles, heirlooms, intellectual property, family history? www.saveyourstuffblog.com
Also see www.tipsforartcollectors.com
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