Just last week, members of Vernon city council unanimously endorsed a mural that will recognize Axel Ebring, who shaped local clay into utilitarian, yet captivating, pottery.
This comes a year after the powers-that-be approved an outdoor painting about legendary artist Sveva Caetani.
Now the murals that abound downtown are absolutely wonderful. They add colour and creativity to streets and alleys, but, more importantly, they cause us to pause about our history and those that came before us.
But raising their hands for murals appears to be as far as council is willing to go culturally.
Specifically, conditions at the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives and the Vernon Public Art Gallery are deteriorating. Storage is overflowing to the point that managing artifacts is a challenge. Requirements for ceiling heights and climate control can’t be met, meaning travelling exhibits head down the road. Residents desire to learn more about the arts and history but there’s little space for programs.
Some significant items — including those from Caetani and Ebring — never see the light of day, or aren’t featured properly because quarters are cramped.
It’s been suggested by some that the magic bullet is to expand into the building vacated by the library once it moves to 30th Avenue next year. And on the surface that sounds good given that the museum is right next door.
However, it would be difficult and costly to retrofit these structures with the climate and light controls vital for the integrity of precious artifacts. There would be no natural flow as the original design would prevail, while a lack of 16-foot ceilings would still keep touring exhibits away.
Art gallery officials have previously requested 16,000-square-feet, far more than the size of the current library. Within a short time, that space would also be full.
The other problem is once the museum or gallery moves into the library building, the politicians will be convinced long-term needs are addressed. There will be no appetite to discuss a purpose-built building after that.
Culture appears to be a luxury, particularly when there’s a recession and dollars are tight. But beyond educating our youth and feeding our souls, there are practical reasons to support the arts.
Tourists look for reasons to stop in a community and while at the museum or art gallery, they will shop or dine. Given the national and international recognition of Ebring, Caetani and Allan Brooks, Vernon could become a cultural destination. Families and companies also consider a community’s amenities before deciding to relocate. Those cities that thrive economically and socially are the ones that have a vibrant and strong arts scene.
It should also be pointed out that the perfect site for a cultural complex exists just a block from the Caetani mural — the city-owned Coldstream Hotel parking lot.
Ultimately, taxpayers would have to commit to construction and operating costs, but that isn’t an insurmountable challenge.
Remember that political leadership over the years has led to Civic Arena, the recreation complex, the Performing Arts Centre and Wesbild Centre. That same approach is being followed now for a proposed sports complex next to the college.
However, given the track record of Greater Vernon politicians I suspect there will be a heritage mural of them twiddling their thumbs long before the art gallery and museum have a new home.
Richard Rolke is the senior reporter for The Morning Star
