Decorah City Council approves ArtHaus murals

The Decorah City Council has approved proposed painted murals on the north and east sides of the ArtHaus building at 107 West Broadway Street.
 
The approval came on a 5-2 vote, with city council members Andy Carlson and Randy Schissel opposing the request.
 
Neighbors of the building have opposed the mural project, as has the Decorah Historical Preservation Commission.  However, the murals won unanimous approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission.
 
On Monday night, Historical Preservation Commission member Steve Kelsay outlined the commissioners' reasons for opposing the murals, stating that the ArtHaus building is not in the historic district, but is very visible.  He said the mural project would be equivalent to putting up four billboards.
 
ArtHaus Director Shannon Durbin said her group "has put a lot of thought into (the project)."  The  murals are part of a program being held by ArtHaus to bring in teachers who can train students in creating other murals in Decorah.  "New Voices in Public Art" will be selecting 10 or more artists to create public murals inside and outside Decorah businesses.
 
City of Decorah officials say they believe "a very public discussion should be had before allowing any permanent changes impacting the look of a building that may impact the historical character of the Downtown District."