Tuesday, September 10, 2013

A Talent That Should Survive



“What is life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across
the grass and loses itself in the sunset.”

Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator 1830 - 1890

This mural of Native Americans is on a building in the city of Charlottesville, and I passed it awhile ago. It is huge and stunning. In the second picture you can see cars parked in front of it to give you an idea of the size. It was painted by kids in grades five to twelve. Most people really like it, and the kids put in a lot of hard work.  But the city planners are saying this is a historical district and they need to go through a board and ask permission. If it is not allowed, the side of the building will be whitewashed, how much more ugly would THAT be?? This is an amazing encouragement to talented kids everywhere. I think the kids and the board should do the Peace Dance! Below is a bible verse and a Cherokee blessing,


“The natives went out of their way to be friendly to us. The day was rainy and cold and we were already soaked to the bone, but they built a huge bonfire and gathered us around it.”
Acts 28

Cherokee Prayer Blessing

May the Warm Winds of Heaven
Blow softly upon your house.
May the Great Spirit
Bless all who enter there.
May your Mocassins
Make happy tracks
in many snows,
and may the Rainbow
Always touch your shoulder.
 


28 comments:

MastHoliday said...

Wonderful mural! Great art work..like it.

S. Etole said...

They did a great job and I like the prayer blessing you have included.

MadSnapper said...

i think it is fantastic and the silly city should leave it there... but i am betting they will white wash it... we have all kinds of codes here in the city downtown area they can't even paint outside without approval of the color first... these kids are really talented

Alice said...

Stunning wall. I would love to see it stay. I love how the blessing calls God "Great Spirit." I think it is pretty accurate:)

Shug said...

this is beautiful! Lots of Indian blood in my family and I have always been interested in the history of all the tribes.
Hope your day is cool and full of fun.
Shug

Karin said...

Who wants a white-washed wall when they can have real artwork there? Go figure!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I hope the board does the right thing and allows this to stay...

Ruth Kelly said...

That is a lovely prayer. It could almost be lyrics to a song if put to music.

Tamago said...

Wow this is done by children? They are really talented, such a great art work! I hope the city will keep the mural.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

HI Ginny Stunning art work done by talented children Hope it stays

George said...

This mural sure looks a heck of a lot better than a white-washed wall, historic district or not. I hope the city planners come to their senses.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

What a fabulous mural! !!

Ann said...

that is an awesome mural and a pity that they are going to whitewash over it.
Love that Cherokee prayer blessing

Linda said...

Fantastic mural!!!

Reanaclaire said...

These murals look interesting, Ginny!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Beautiful mural... Did you see my FB post telling everyone that I found out this past week that there is some Cherokee Indian ancestors in my family???? I got so excited.... Genealogy is just so much fun.

Hugs,
Betsy

SquirrelQueen said...

Those kids are very talented and it is obvious they put a lot of work into this mural. The city planners should be encouraging this sort of art not whitewashing it. Maybe this town need more progressive city planners.

Ercotravels said...

Spectacular looking wall panting! Nice find to click!

Arti said...

What a beautiful piece of art, it looks so very real!!
Lovely captures too, have a good day Ginny :)

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

pretty artwork!

DawnTreader said...

It would be a real pity if they had that wall whitewashed just out of principle. I bet if they did they'd just get random graffiti instead... I think the kids did a great job!

Hootin Anni said...

Extraordinary post Ginny!!!!

Unknown said...

That's very cool art work. Kids are amazing, aren't they? Hopefully the wall will survive!

Anonymous said...

Hi Ginny, If the mural is to be painted-over, perhaps it could be replicated elsewhere with permission, by the same kids or other students. I applaud the artistry of the mural. Great post Ginny! Have a fine Friday tomorrow!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

This is a work of art by these students and it would be a crime to have it white-washed! Keep us posted on what they decide to do. Take care, Ginny, and enjoy your Friday and weekend.

LC said...

Yes, a peace dance is called for. By working together on the awesome mural, the artists' efforts are now a part of the city's history. City officials should do the peace dance and celebrate with the artists and the residents who appreciate the mural.

And your observations and quotes are thought provoking.

Marie said...

I hope it stays and I can see it. :)

Chatty Crone said...

I hope they will let that stay - it is gorgeous! sandie

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