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November 28

Public Art and Murals: Controversy, Neglect, Restoration

Not always seen by all as a public benefit, public art faces sometimes quiet neglect, sometimes outrage and controversy. Earlier this year, San Francisco Poet Laureate Kim Shuck brought attention to the appeal to remove the Pioneer Monument’s “Early Days” statue of a subjugated and emaciated indigenous figure in Civic Center. Calling for a rehearing, she wrote a poem each day—55 in all—until the Board of Appeals granted one in June. For years Richard Rothman has told the stories of deteriorating and abandoned New Deal murals around the City, including murals in public high schools. He offers rare looks at underseen masterpieces and shares what it will take to restore the Mothers Building murals. Barbara Mumby-Huerta also joins the discussion of what and how we value works of art in the public realm.

Photo: "Early Days" part of Pioneer Monument in Civic Center. Photo by Chris Carlsson