| Frederick Alexander Pawla's Invisible Mural: Home | |||||
| Burlingame's Murals: Where Do They Belong? In The Hall By DAVID NEWMAN Five students at Burlingame High School have decided that their school's only mural, painted during the Depression under the auspices of the Works Projects Administration, is insignificant and outdated. They have decided that this "inartistic, depressing" work will look silly compared to the fine graphics that they are considering for the rest of the halls. They have come very close to stripping this mural from the school's main hall. Five community art and historical associations have rushed to the rescue of this neglected work of art, and are joining forces to see that it is not removed by a self-appointed group of student "art critics." The San Mateo County Historical Society's painting expert, Mrs. Betty Hoag, has appraised the work and found Burlingame High to be very fortunate to have such fine examples of WPA art. The Historical Society has also made arrangements to borrow other paintings by the same artist to show with other works in a WPA art exhibit at the College of San Mateo. The Peninsula Art Association has shown its support for the mural along with the Burlingame Civic Arts Center and the San Mateo County Arts Council. Burlingame High School's Fiftieth Anniversary Committee has also pledged itself to saving the mural along with numerous alumni, faculty and students. If the art planned for the space now occupied by the mural was indeed a grand and magnificent affair, maybe there would be reason to discuss the removal of the mural. But, as it stands, there is no solid plan for replacing the mural with anything. There have been no concrete ideas put forth for any replacement; for only when we see that replacement can we decide whether it has a shadow of a chance of surviving three graduating classes, let alone of enduring 35 years. This mural will last hundreds, maybe thousands of years, or at least as long as there is a memory of the United States or the Depression. This mural will outlive all of us. The only question is whether the mural outlives us in the main hall of Burlingame High School, a classic structure built in Greek and Spanish style in 1922, or in the cafeteria, built in 1958. But, given the style of the cafeteria, and the nature of the mural itself, it is plain that the cafeteria is no place to put such an important piece of art. We want to see the mural cleaned, stored, well lighted and protected from faddish, temporary interests. There is an incredible amount of space for mod graphics. But we should not erase the powerful statement of another era while we bicker about the color of the high school walls. We need your support. The conflict is not over. Please address your letters to the Burlingame Heritage Committee, Burlingame High School, Carolan & Oak Grove, Burlingame, CA 94010. Please call our principal, Dr. Richard Williams, and show your support. Hillsborough Boutique & Villager, April 3, 1973 |
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| Frederick Alexander Pawla's Invisible Mural: Home | |||||