It’s said that art is in the eye of the beholder and that’s certainly the case in Enderby.
Some residents have tired of the Not The Way I Heard It mural on the side of city hall after 15 years, while others stick by its message of diversity and commemoration of the 1999 community play of the same name.
Members of Enderby council have found themselves caught in the middle of this debate.
“Some citizens have asked if it’s time for a change. Council is just considering whether it can be repurposed,” said Coun. Tundra Baird, who worked on the mural.
“It’s part of the history of Enderby so we’re not going to get rid of it. It just could be at a different location.”
Council is in a very difficult position, particularly as so many residents invested time in the community play and the Not The Way I Heard It mural. There is a sense of ownership among them and anything that potentially threatens their hard work and goals is unwelcome.
On the other hand, the city hall wall is public property and there may be other groups in the community that want to make use of a highly visible location along Highway 97A.
Council has made its decision but it shouldn’t stop there. The next step should be bringing together the Enderby Arts Council, the Splatsin, the chamber of commerce and any interested residents to a meeting so all concerns and aspirations can be placed on the table. Hopefully a compromise can be found.