The Anne Arundel schools superintendent plans Wednesday to meet with organizers of an Annapolis art exhibit about hanging a mural on a public school building.
This occurred a day after County Executive John R. Leopold prevented it ? and all artwork ? from being displayed on the outside of the county government building.
“It was my hope that this situation could have been worked out, and the artwork could have been hung at the Arundel Center as originally planned,” said Superintendent Kevin Maxwell in a statement.
“Our school system recognizes the value art plays in the education of our children and the enhancement of their quality of life.”
Leopold, through his office staff, did not have a comment on Maxwell?s offer.
Sally Wern Comport, co-director and curator of ArtWalk, was excited about meeting with Maxwell to discuss the project.
“We?re thrilled with the invitation, and we?re going all over the place looking for the most significant site,” she said.
“Sometimes blessings come out of adversity.”
The mixed-medium mural centers on artist Lassie Belt¹s rendering of a black
man breaking chains and is accompanied by paintings from inner-city children
at the Stanton Community Center. Watercolors, chalk and pencil were all used
to create the artwork. Courtesy photo
On Thursday, after meeting with ArtWalk, Leopold said ArtWalk?s mural could be displayed inside the building.”An understanding was reached that seemed to be acceptable,” said Robert Leib, the county?s special assistant for BRAC and education.
The artwork, which shows artist George “Lassie” Belt?s depiction of a black man breaking free of chains and other paintings by Annapolis children, was commissioned by ArtWalk to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the signing of Annapolis? charter, Comport said.
