Sarasota leaders face strong opposition from NewTown business owner Scott Gerber over definition of art.
What is art?
In one hotly debated issue, Sarasota leaders confront business owner and community over what is art & why business owner should REMOVE wall mural…NOW!
Click READ MORE for details pitting Sarasota leaders against Sarasota community/business owner Scott Gerber. And by all means, I encourage you to share your opinion, as this issue is not so black & white.
SARASOTA STAND OFF
Sarasota Fight – “Wrong art at wrong spot.”
Artistic differences hit headlines again in Sarasota.
Renowned French graffiti artist “MTO” recently spray-painted the mural (see below) exterior wall of Scott Gerber’s Tube Dudes at 10th Street & Central Avenue in Sarasota, Florida.
Sarasota divided over "right art for right location."
Tube Dudes owner Gerber says he won’t remove the “Fast Life” mural on his building, citing community support.
However, Sarasota City Commission voted 5-0 to ask him to remove the artwork, believing mural “does not mesh with the city’s goals for the area….”
Commissioner Willie Shaw, who led the push against the mural, says the mural does not mesh with the city’s goals for the area, which borders Newtown and is not far from the Sarasota Military Academy.
Sarasota Chalk Festival Organizer Denise Kowal supports Gerber’s decision, claiming “Fast Life” coincides with plan to attract local and international artists to Sarasota to add more murals to buildings in the Rosemary District.
Indeed, Ms. Kowal’s tireless work to attract world-renown artists to Sarasota is unparalleled. Kowal’s own brainchild, the annual Sarasota Chalk Festival, is one of Sarasota’s most well-attended and discussed art events of the year.
On which side of this issue are you? Please go below and share your opinion. If you’re unfamiliar with location of mural, I’ve heard people describe “NewTown” area as “high crime, mostly African American” neighborhood. To opponents, mural portrays culture of drugs, gangs, crime & violence – hence the “fast life” portrayal.
To me, this is the decision of a business owner, who incidentally has welcomed community (neighborhood) reaction. To Mr. Gerber, a person must applaud his steadfastness, refusing to cower to City Commissioners.
Is this art (in this location) in poor taste? Does it send the “wrong” message to visitors to the area and to children? Does this mural negatively depict NewTown?
My opinion? Okay, here it is. Btw, people who know me know I don’t shy away from an opinion, even if my stance potentially jeopardizes my business. If this were my building and I cared about the community/neighborhood – I do just as I’m certain Mr. Gerber does – I would poll the neighborhood. If THEY (i.e. people of the neighborhood) were offended, I would consider removing the mural. I then would talk with community art leaders, seeking their advice as well. Whether Sarasota Commission votes 5-0 to remove would not affect my decision, even if crossing Sarasota’s political leaders might land me in “crosshairs.”
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