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'Black Lives Matter' mural in Ripon fields complaints; historical commission may order it to come down - Fond du Lac Reporter

RIPON - A "Black Lives Matter" mural in Ripon's historic downtown faces scrutiny from city officials, and may have to come down. 

In June, Sam Luna presented the mural on the side of his lounge, The Heist, 114 Watson St., created by Ripon College art professor Rafael Salas and other local artists.

Luna contacted Salas with his idea to create a mural in response to the recent protests, as the two knew each other, and Salas had created a previous mural in the city — "The Long Way Home," at 214 Watson St., dedicated in October 2014.

"We went back and forth in the messaging we wanted to convey, and settled on the most impactful statement," Salas said. "Then we painted it together."

"We must come together as a community to ensure that all of our neighbors feel safe," The Heist's Facebook page posted when the mural was finished.

However, the sign was in violation of city code, as Luna had not realized he needed a "certificate of appropriateness" to alter the outside of a historic building. 

Alterations, outlined in the Ripon Code of Ordinances, include sandblasting, re-siding, changing the architectural structure, painting masonry surfaces and adding signs. 

The Ripon Historical Preservation Commission reviews certificate applications and considers the proposed change and its effect on the historic building in question — whether it would protect or enhance the structure — and then decides whether or not to recommend the change to the Common Council. 

The commission decided last Tuesday that Luna's mural may have to come down because of the lack of certificate. 

Salas said that they didn't mean to violate any codes, and only wanted to put their "best foot forward," and they apologized for not taking the proper steps. 

However, Salas believes that it's most important to talk about what's going on. 

"There would have been less conflict if it were a different message," he said. 

What's next for the mural?

The matter has become controversial given the message the mural sends, especially as the Black Lives Matter movement has gained particular traction following the death of George Floyd in May. 

Coverage of the mural and the commission's decision sparked public comment with mixed opinions, especially on Facebook posts from Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express and WFRV Local 5, as well as the public Facebook group, "Ripon Uncensored."

"(Black Lives Matter) is not a political movement, it is a cry for respect, it’s our will to live," The Black Student Union of Ripon College said on Facebook in reaction to the commission's decision. "We won’t even get into the undertones of many of the comments from the Commission members."

This group and some other community members are seeking a petition to keep the mural up. In the meantime, Salas said, Luna has submitted a completed application to the commission. 

"We're hoping that the commission will approve the application now that we went through the correct process, even if it's retroactive," Salas said. 

The commission will review the application next week, and if approved, it will be discussed with the Common Council for final approval. Even if the commission denies it, Luna can appeal to the council, Salas said. 

The next Common Council meeting is 7 p.m. July 27 in the council chambers of city hall, 100 E. Jackson St.

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