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Lewes committee to vote on mural proposals

Artwork set to be added to trail-facing wall
August 15, 2020

Proposals for a new mural on a wall facing the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail will be narrowed down during a virtual meeting of the Lewes Public Art Committee at 6 p.m., Monday, Aug. 17. The winning design is set to be selected Thursday, Aug. 20. 

In lieu of the planned Water Tower display – which was postponed due to COVID-19 – the committee will move forward with a temporary mural to be displayed for at least 18 months on the side of the Lewes Board of Public Works’ former electric facility on Schley Avenue. The 48-by-28-foot mural will be visible from the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail on the stretch between the Lewes Public Library and the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. The mural’s narrative and design should reflect the spirit of Lewes.

The committee is encouraging the public to comment on the submitted design proposals. People can send comments to lewespublicart@gmail.com or join the Aug. 17 virtual meeting by following the link at the bottom of the committee’s agenda at lewes.civicweb.net

The committee has put out an open call to artists throughout Delaware, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Proposals will be judged by the committee in late August. The artist of the winning mural concept will have a quick turnaround to begin work on the piece, as the committee expects the mural to be completed by Tuesday, Sept. 15.

The project’s budget is $5,000 for an artist or a team of collaborative artists. The budget should include the artist fee, supplies, travel expenses, maintenance requirements for 18 months and other associated costs.

Artists will retain ownership of design ideas submitted with an application until a selection has been made and a contract signed. The chosen design will become property of the City of Lewes.

Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.