A downtown Oxford business is looking to transform a boring blank wall into an eye-catching work of art.
Creative Embroidery, located at 10 E. Burdick St., is planning to have a mural painted on its east side, facing the parking lot.
The mural would feature three trees, the branches of which have letters, in various fonts, sprouting from them. It will be painted either maroon or chocolate brown.
‘We figured it would be a good thing to promote learning and literacy,? explained Ashley Kiplinger, a 2008 Oxford High School graduate who purchased Creative Embroidery in January 2010.
The image also ties in with all the custom embroidery work the 20-year-old business does placing monograms and logos on shirts, jackets, hats, bags, etc.
Kiplinger believes murals, like the one depicting the barn in downtown’s southwest parking lot, enhance the community’s image. ‘I feel like it makes the town more warm and welcoming,? she said.
Kiplinger is planning to paint the mural with the assistance of her mother, Maureen Kiplinger. She described her mother as ‘pretty crafty and artsy,? and noted that she painted the interior murals at Oxford Elementary School.
Although no official approval is required, the village planning commission was asked to provide some feedback, which it did at its Aug. 6 meeting.
Commissioner Tom Schultz expressed his concern that a vandal could transform the mural’s letters into profane or obscene words.
‘I think we’re asking for problems,? he said.
‘You have a nasty little mind, Tom. I’m so proud of you,? joked Commissioner Maureen Helmuth.
‘I’m hoping someone wouldn’t do that,? said Kiplinger, who added if the mural were vandalized, she would fix it.
Helmuth noted she likes the mural, but wishes it utilized more than just one color.
‘I don’t have a problem with it,? said Commissioner Sue Bossardet.
‘It sure is a lot nicer than a blank wall,? said Commissioner Tom Kennis.
Under some proposed amendments to the village’s sign ordinance, any future murals would require permission from the building official and/or the planning commission.