Parks board drafts agreement on mural

The Nevada Parks and Recreation Board voted 5-0 Wednesday night to approve an agreement between the city and the Nevada-Vernon County Chamber of Commerce to transfer ownership of the "Osage Archer" mural to the city so it can be put in the Franklin P. Norman City/County Community Center after its restoration is complete.

Dana Redburn, parks director, told the parks board that after researching the ownership of the mural, it was discovered that the chamber of commerce owned it and the city needs to have control of it so it could be insured and displayed in the community center.

Redburn said that the Vernon County Arts Council will also need to sign the agreement to release any interest in the mural before it can be placed in the community center.

The Arts Council is currently in the process of having the mural repaired. It had been located outside on a building for many years and had received considerable water damage. After it is repaired the mural must be displayed inside to prevent further damage.

Al Fenske, who attended the meeting from the Arts Council, said that he could not officially speak for them but did not think there would be any problem.

"I believe the Arts Council will say, 'Welcome. Here's the mural.'" Fenske said. "I would guess they would say yes. The Arts Council is here to plan artworks; to generate new artwork in the community." Fenske said that the Arts Council will have to have the mural ready to be transported before they release it. That will include a protective plastic cover for it.

"Mark Quitno will donate a metal frame for the mural. He would like his crew to do the installation since they are used to doing it," he said.

Quitno and his family owns Norman Sheet Metal and they made the metal frame for the Franklin Norman plaque in the community center.

"We want to thank the Arts Council for all the hard work you put forth. We appreciate all you guys have done," Jeff Post, parks board president said.

"I think it's going to be a very good addition to the facility," Post said.

"We appreciate what the park board is doing," Fenske said.