Artwork stirring up controversy in Lake Wales

Friday, July 14, 2006

Post a comment | E-mail this story | Print

Click here to see an image of the Lake Wales High School band mural.

Some public artwork in Polk County causing controversy.

Murals featuring familiar scenes in the City of Lake Wales may face regulation by city leaders. The murals being painted on city businesses give the city's downtown a distinctive look.

However, not everyone is a fan of the half dozen murals there. Some people have complained that a mural of the Lake Wales High School band doesn't measure up artistically. Some said it's like graffiti.

Downtown businessman Cliff Tonges leads a private group responsible for the murals. He said the criticism is coming from a tiny group.

"I should say the community overwhelmingly approves of it," Tonges said. "When we had the dedication, we had 300 or 400 people here."

Mayor Kathy Manry said she would like to see the city set up a public arts board so there could be more input into future murals.

Tonges said he hopes that doesn't happen. He said although he doesn't like the idea of a public arts council, he does welcome public input into plans for future murals.

Government funds are not used for the creation or maintenance of the Lake Wales murals.

Be in the Know with Bay News 9 Now!

Get news, weather, and traffic alerts delivered directly to your computer desktop, e-mail, or cell phone with Bay News 9 Now.

Subscribe for free!

Valentine's Day

Do you have a romantic Valentine's Day story? Or a funny one? What about a nightmarish one? We want to hear them! Send them to us and we may use them in a story on BayNews9.com.