Dear Editor,

The Heart of Danville’s plan to install an exterior mural in our downtown will set a tone for the community and will establish a precedent for public art.

Because of the community impact of public art, I promote issuing a general call to artists to submit designs and bids for consideration. This is fair and also offers a variety of styles and concepts.

Instead, Heart of Danville has extended a contract to a single artist, thereby missing the opportunity to review artwork from talented muralists across Kentucky, including those in our own community.

Executive Director Nick Wade has assured me that because HOD is not a designated public agency, they do not have to go through a bidding process for anything. Although legally accurate, this depiction does not reflect the nonprofit status and mission of HOD. It also tends to ignore their annual receipt of a generous amount of local tax dollars.

While a call to artists may not be required, it is surely appropriate. Wouldn’t we all benefit from a broader choice of public design?

Wilma Brown

Danville