Art 180: timeline of events
Yesterday, the city ruled that a public exhibit featuring children’s art on Monument Avenue medians will have to be removed. Here’s a timeline of events as they developed to keep you in the loop.
Yesterday, the city ruled that a public exhibit featuring children’s art on Monument Avenue medians will have to be removed. Here’s a timeline of events as they developed to keep you in the loop.
Saturday, March 24th
Art 180 launches its “What Do You Stand For?” exhibit on several Monument Avenue medians. Art 180 filed for, and was granted, a Works in Street Permit, which included photos of the exhibit send to city officials.
Thursday, March 29th
Marlene Paul receives a phone call from an engineer at the city’s Public Works Department informing her that Art 180 may have to take down the installation.
Friday, March 30th
Marlene Paul says a resident of Monument Avenue calls to express his strong displeasure with the signs.
The city informs Art 180 that they have until Friday, April 6th to take down the exhibit. Paul told RVANews that it “wasn’t extremely clear as to the justification” used by the city.
Saturday, March 31st
Paul posts on the organization’s Facebook page, which is how the public first hears of the issue. “At that point, it went viral,” said Paul.
Sunday, April 1st
Byron Marshall, the city’s Chief Administrative Officer, issued this statement:
“Please be advised that neither the Mayor or I have ordered the permit to be revoked. I have become aware of this issue in the last 30 minutes and am reviewing the facts. Once I have the information I will update you and others who have inquired about this issue. Nothing precipitous will transpire before my review is completed.”
Councilman Charles Samuels (2nd District) issued a statement in support of the Art 180 exhibit:
“Like so many Richmonders, I was surprised to hear the issues about the Art 180 displays on Monument Avenue. I have always supported and appreciated the work Art 180 has done around the city — including these great pieces on Monument Avenue.
- Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue; Fan of the Fan
- Statement from Charles Samuels; City of Richmond
Monday, April 2nd
Councilman Charles Samuels issues a statement stating that Art 180 and Venture Richmond, the organization that puts on the Easter on Parade event, have reached an agreement as to the the placement/temporary removal of the exhibit signs.
At this point, many perceive the city’s contention with the exhibit is that it will interfere with Venture Richmond’s Easter on Parade event. Lisa Simms, director of events at Venture Richmond, says that there “wasn’t a problem” between Art 180 and Venture Richmond. In fact, Venture Richmond displayed the pieces in the “What do You Stand For?” exhibit at last year’s Folk Festival.
Speaking with RVANews, Marlene Paul said crews are “on stand by” to remove the art installations should the city decide to do so.
In the early evening, Byron Marshall said that the city originally issued Art 180 an “erroneous permit:”
”I’ve met with city attorneys today as well as agency officials to review this matter. It is clear that a mistake was made and it is now incumbent upon us to uphold the law.”
He said that the Work in Streets Permit was issued in violation of Richmond Code Section 38-113, which prohibits unlawful signage in city medians.
Tuesday, April 3rd
Art 180 announces that residents of Monument Ave. have offered to host individual signs from the “What Do You Stand For?” exhibit on their private lawns.
At 7pm, an Art Walk in support of the Art 180 exhibit took place on Monument Ave. near the Robert E. Lee Monument (Allen & Monument).
- Art Walk in support of the Art 180 exhibit, Facebook page
- Monument Ave neighbors will host Art 180 portraits after Easter Parade
photo courtesy of Art 180
-
Recommend this
on Facebook -
Report an error
-
Subscribe to our
Weekly Digest
Nathan Cushing
Nathan Cushing is a writer, journalist, and RVANews Editor.
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
I keep wondering if this is a week long April Fools Day joke, but then I remember I live in Richmond.
Below is the section cited. Read the last part. Under 6b, it would seem that City Council indeed has the power to support this exhibition which would uphold the permit issued by Public works and keep the art up. Am I missing something?
(Code 1993, § 19-22; Ord. No. 2006-103-86, § 1, 4-10-2006).
Sec. 38-114. – Exceptions.
(a) This division shall not apply to the following signs:
(1) Regulatory, traffic, or informational signs established or posted by or at the direction of an authorized city department.
(2) Signs required to be posted pursuant to state, local, or federal laws.
(3) Signs permitted by the state department of transportation along state-maintained streets, provided that proof of permission must be shown upon request.
(4) Citizens’ watch signs, as authorized by this division.
(5) Signs not exceeding four square feet in area giving information concerning the location or use of accessory off-street parking facilities or loading and unloading facilities.
(6) Signs permitted by the council upon proper application for an encroachment or other form of variance from this division.
(b) Nothing in this division shall apply to the installation of a plaque, plate, statue, or other commemorative monument or marker in accordance with a permit issued by the department of public works, with the approval of the council.
(Code 1993, § 19-23).
Many many thanks to the Goldbergs for stepping up. And how interesting that this outpouring of support is being spearheaded by folks who recently moved to the Fan–and not so steeped in Richmond tradition that they are blinded by the sun shining off the Confederate statues along the Avenue.
Please include this Facebook page in this article. Thanks!
https://www.facebook.com/LetArt180KeepArtOnMonumentAvenue