Tenacity

A few days ago I wrote about my public art project still being approved by the local library in the midst of the pandemic. I was excited to know that it would be installed at some point, most likely next year. But, when writing that post, I was still unsure about the status of my grant**. I was under the assumption I would have to reapply for the grant in 2021 to finish the project.

Yesterday I was pleasantly surprised to receive an answer from the Fall River Cultural Council stating that my grant was being extended until Spring 2021, allowing for the installation to be possible! In the letter the Board complimented me for my tenacity through this project and wished me luck moving forward.

In regards to my tenacity during this project- I wanted to speak to the importance of not giving up when you have a vision or idea that you feel is worth it. When I first brought my proposal to the city’s Special Projects Manager it was approved almost immediately, only to find out the area I wanted to use for the mural was State owned. Instead of scraping the project, I revised my proposal and sent it to the State. It was denied due to tile placement and the state regulations in regards to “altered surfaces”. When I explained this to the City, I was given a list of streets in the city where public art could possibly be approved. I took a weekend and visited each street writing down possible locations. After getting together the top 3 locations I liked and again revising my project, the City approved my project for a second time in a new location. A few weeks later it was denied due to the building having interior fire damage. With so many unknowns about the future of the building, the City felt it was an unstable option for a public art project. I was back at square one- a mural idea with no wall.

While all of this was going on I was attending monthly book club meetings at the local public library. One night while leaving the meeting, I realized the library had a series of murals painted on every floor. It gave me the idea to think about my project as an interior mural and start to re-frame how I could present it. I revised the project again and called the library to schedule an informal meeting with one of the administrative staff to pitch my idea.

Some weeks later I met with the library and explained my idea. They loved the idea, but not for a wall mural- for the decorative element to their new outdoor stage. I agreed to partner with them, and then set out to revise my tile proposal for the 4th time.

This 4th revision was by far the most tedious of them all. Adhering tiles to the ground is much different than adhering them to a wall. There is more to consider when installing tile, when you live in an area where there is rain and snow- tile expansion and water damage are the biggest things to think of. It took at least a month of research and calls before I could locate a proper tile and paints. After I had re-adjusted my materials listing and timeline for painting, I had to find a tile installer. This proved more rejection than I would have originally thought. Major companies like Home Depot and Lowe’s won’t install outdoor tile in this region due to issues with warranty. Unbelievable as it may sound- one mom and pop tile installer stopped helping me while I was in their store inquiring about the project because my budget they said was “too slim”. After calling around for another few weeks I found someone willing to help me.

Just as I was set to buy tiles and begin the weeks of painting, Covid -19 struck the United States and stay at home advisories began. Everything was put on hold. Photo shoots were cancelled, galleries were closing and exhibits were being cancelled and the local library was closed as well.

I put the project on hold, and focused on the things that needed to be done – remote learning for my children, new schedules and setting up a daily routine for my family.

After months of unknowns its been such a great moment to get all the good news! I would say from experience to keep going, find new ways, stay open minded- but continue the journey. Don’t downsize the vision but be open to how it will come to exist.

**This program is supported in part by a grant from the Fall River Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.