News

Eye of the Beholder

One FL man’s gift to his wife has sparked a community debate.

Published

17 years ago

October 20, 2007

MaryKate Moran Signs of the Times October 2007 Issue

When Joe Quest of Day or Night Moves Inc. (Neptune Beach, FL) commissioned a painting for his wife, he never dreamed the city would get involved.

But where Quest saw a painting of the moon and stars (on the side of his own company’s building), the city manager saw a sign. Quest didn’t have a permit for it.

In a recent hearing, the city council voted 4 to 3 that the image classified as a sign, and not a mural, and might have to be painted over. Even the mayor called a special meeting concerning the artwork. Quest and his wife, Sheri, are awaiting the final word on the painting from city-council.

The painting, created by a local artist Morgan Wilson, doesn’t resemble the moving company’s logo.

In the meantime, the mural has many fans. Sheri estimated they had more than 700 petition signatures to save the painting. “I’ve had conversations with residents who loved it,” she said. “All we did was paint over a big, blank, gray surface.”

See the mural/sign at www.loveourmural.com.

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