A new project is bringing art history to Main Street in the Town of Orange.
Last month, local artist Sigrid Eilertson completed the first of The Arts Center in Orange’s Mural Reinterpretation Project. The project commissions two small-scale murals on the building’s columns between the windows with the goal of engaging in dialogue with arts history through a contemporary artistic lens. Artists are invited by the center to participate in the project, selecting a significant historical artist to reinterpret through their own mural creation. One mural occupies the left side of the front of the center while the other occupies the right. The murals are replaced by a new artist every six months.
According to The Arts Center, the project explores a central question of artistic practice–how does culture remain alive. It also allows the building itself to become a living exhibit, much like those inside of it.
“The project ultimately positions The Arts Center itself as a place where tradition and experimentation co-exist,” center officials said. “By bringing contemporary reinterpretations of art historical masterpieces into the public realm, the facade becomes an accessible space for curiosity, dialogue and discovery, reminding visitors that the history of art is not a closed archive, but an unfinished conversation to which every artist may contribute.”
Center executive director David Kent said Eilertson was chosen as the first artist for the project due to her existing relationship with The Arts Center. She has taught classes and workshops at the center, as well as exhibited her own work in the space. She also serves as the arts specialist for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Virginia. Her first mural features multiple brightly colored portraits, inspired by abstract expressionism including Pablo Picasso.
“I chose to reimagine the portraits from a female perspective,” Eilertson said. “Many of Pablo Picasso’s paintings were inspired by his muse of the moment. He was not kind to these women. I chose to empower these women through these portraits. Each is an homage to the women he depicted, but more vibrant and valiant as they need to be respected.”
She also included some male figures derived from modern artists including Basquiat.
The work has stirred up community conversation with some loving it and others questioning if there should be a historic district in town with regulations to prevent brightly colored art. Kent said he’s only heard positive feedback. He said those stopping by while Sigrid was completing her mural were complimentary as well.
During this week’s town council meeting, The Arts Center in Orange Board President Ed Harvey thanked the town council for its support of the center.
“Since its inception, The Arts Center has strived to improve the culture of our community,” he said. “Many years in the past, the center was the only thing open on Main Street on Saturday. We’ve expanded programs, classes [and the gift shop]. We’ve added artwork, this time based on Picasso. 2027 will be the 30th anniversary of the founding of the center. That’s quite a statement for a small arts center.”
A letter read into the record from town resident Julia Lyman acknowledged the criticism of the mural, but said “it’s fabulous.”
“The images are lively and bright, enriching and welcoming,” she wrote. “Isn’t that what we want Main Street to be? The Arts Center in Orange is a true asset to the community and deserves our appreciation. We’re fortunate to have it on Main Street.”
It remains to be seen what Eilertson’s second mural will be.
