photo by: Contributed rendering

This rendering shows a mural depicting stories of local women of color that will appear on the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St.

As part of its consent agenda Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission approved the contract to add a mural to the exterior of the city’s library.

Last month, commissioners voted to move forward with a proposal from artist group Womxn of Color to donate and install the mural on the ground-level concrete wall of the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. Some commissioners were concerned about how exactly long-term maintenance of the mural would be handled, and the vote included a caveat that a more detailed contract return to the commission for review.

The commission on Tuesday authorized the city manager to execute a public mural agreement between the city and the project’s lead artist, Connie Fiorella Fitzpatrick. The 20-year agreement includes a provision regarding the maintenance of the mural, among others. The agreement stipulates that the artist is responsible for minor maintenance and repair, limited to an area no larger than two square feet. If larger-scale maintenance is needed, the contract states that the city agrees to make a good-faith effort to consult with the artist “to determine the extent of repairs and develop a plan.”

The mural depicts historical and present-day stories of local women of color, and will be painted on the southwest corner of the library. Womxn of Color began gathering and recording the stories of local women of color last year to incorporate into the mural design. Originally, the group’s proposal was to paint the mural on the wall of the library parking garage, and some were opposed to painting a mural on the library itself.

Work on the mural is expected to begin this month, according to the contract.

City Commission Meeting 08/07/18