Artwork is in future for town's vacant storefronts
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By Susan Smallheer STAFF WRITER - Published: October 26, 2009
BELLOWS FALLS — Those empty storefronts in downtown Bellows Falls may be filling up with murals soon.
Charlie Hunter, a local artist and member of the Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance, told members of the Rockingham Planning Commission this week that he needed some clarification from the board that the proposed murals wouldn't be considered signs under local ordinances.
He said the alliance is thinking of getting area businesses to sponsor the portable murals, which would be printed on large sheets of Coroplast, a corrugated plastic sheeting, which would allow them to be moved as businesses opened. Painting on plywood isn't as feasible, he said.
He said each of the murals would promote a Bellows Falls-Saxtons River area arts organization, such as the Bellows Falls Opera House or Main Street Arts or Vermont Academy's art offerings.
He said the murals would not be used to promote commercial businesses or enterprises.
But he said that each of the murals would cost about $300, and the alliance was seeking sponsorships. Sponsors would be credited at the bottom of the mural.
Under the town special sign ordinance, there can't be any writing on such a sign or mural, however, Hunter noted.
Similar window displays are used in downtown Bennington and Rutland to dress up vacant storefronts.
Ellen Howard, the town's zoning administrator, said the board should set up some guidelines or parameters, such as requiring only nonprofit or educational events or organizations be promoted on the murals or special signs.
"We like the concept," said board Chairman Bob DeRusha.
One businessman on the Bellows Falls Square, Chris Glennon, said visitors to the village often stop and stare at similar murals that are in the windows of the old coffee shop at the Hotel Windham.
susan.smallheer@rutlandherald.com
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