PACO chooses new Amtrak station mural
New York-based artists Andrey and Julia Kravtsov have completed over 50 murals in various communities across the U.S.
The Public Arts Commission of Oxford (PACO) voted for the Key Detail group mural proposal at the July 20 meeting. The project is estimated to cost $16,000 and would be installed over a period of seven to 10 days, according to the artists’ proposal.
Key Detail is made up of two New York-based artists Andrey and Julia Kravtsov, who have completed over 50 murals in various communities across the U.S. Additionally, the group has worked with students and community members in Indiana, Colorado and other areas to foster community engagement with public art projects.
The mural itself has a blue and red color scheme, and features Oxford landmarks like the Brown Street clock and the Pulley Bell Tower. The design also features two cardinals, representing the Cardinal Line, which is the name of the route that will run through the station.
“It says ‘Oxford’ to me,” Bill Snavely, a member of city council, said during the public comments section.
A unique feature of the mural space is the number of windows on the building wall. The wall of the 909 S. Main St. building, which will face the walkway to the Amtrak platform, has four office windows, which needed to be incorporated into the design. Several commission members said the design of the mural was shaped around the windows without being distracting.
“I find that the windows, although this whole composition is bright and light colors, and the windows are dark, they don't bother me at all,” Amber Franklin, city council representative, said.
Members of PACO said the mural was stylistically different from the other finalists and existing murals in the Oxford community, many of which are historical.
“I think it's the least conservative of the three designs, and it's the least like our existing murals,” Carole Katz, a PACO board member, said.
The commission members said they wanted to hear feedback from the public before work on the mural begins.
The Key Detail group echoed this sentiment in its artist statement: “For this project, we would be happy to offer a community workshop to encourage public participation and youth involvement. We will introduce participants to the basics of spray painting and show them how large-scale murals are created.”
