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.

April 3, 2012; 2:38 PM • by Nathan Cushing

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.

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).

photo courtesy of Art 180

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Nathan Cushing

Nathan Cushing is a writer, journalist, and RVANews Editor.

April 3, 2012 2:38 PM 4

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