Isreal/Palestine Women Writing

Dear WWFC members and supporters,

We have some really good news to share and celebrate!

WWFC has won the equivalent of the art lottery with the installation of a Shepard Fairey mural adorning the wall of our building.  The mural was installed on Wed 5/19 and we were as surprised as anyone when Shepard Fairey and his crew, along with Molly O'Toole and Carissa from the Contemporary Art Center showed up to begin the installation.  After going through the application process we knew we were on the list of potential sites but the selection is not made until the artist comes to town and decides.

Kathy Wade, Shepard Fairey, Katie Hall and Nan Fischer

The mural is one of the tallest that Shepard has ever done and he's named it "Israel/Palestine Women Writing".  The materials are water soluble and will eventually wash off with Mother Nature's help.  Reaction has been exceedingly favorable from those who gathered to watch the mural installation and from people who have stopped to talk to us on the street.  Several people commented that "this is the most exciting thing that has happened in Silverton in a long time."  Many have expressed excitement over having a contemporary and world-renowned artist's work featured right here in our own backyard.  It has been both energizing and heartening to see this corner of Silverton come alive and for us to be part of the buzz.

Mary Pierce Brosmer and Shepard Fairey

However, not all of the buzz has been positive and this is where we need your help. 
The City of Silverton has been receiving some negative feedback about the mural and we are in conversation to foster dialogue and understanding.
The major issue is with one of the panels that some feel portray a negative image of the police.  It would greatly help our already strong relationship with the city of Silverton if you would contact the city manager to show your support.

Something like this is all you'd need to say:
 
TO:  Mark T. Wendling, ICMA-CM
City Manager
6860 Plainfield Road
Silverton, OH 45236
(513) 936-6240
mwendling@cityofsilverton.com
 
"Congratulations and thanks to the leadership of the City of Silverton for supporting public art.  We applaud your vision and willingness to be open to the power of art in your community.  We look forward to stopping by to view the Shepard Fairey mural at Women Writing for a Change."
 
And we hope to see you come by to view the mural.  Bring your camera, journal and pen, get an ice cream from Hold the Nuts.  Take some time to sit in the corner green space and treat yourself to an artist date!

Also on Saturday, June 5th from 5-9 pm the Silverton Street Festival will be head featuring a live band set up right outside our door.  The building will be open so stop by, visit with WWFC members, and dance the night away next to the mural. Art and community are thriving at WWFC, so come be part of it all!

Shepard Fairey installs final panel