Mural’s Time Running Out

Re: “ ‘Shadows’ Shaking Up the Present” by Cathy Curtis, Calendar May 27:

Laguna Beach, long identified as a community deeply involved in the arts, has a decision to make to preserve its integrity.

Not only have artists chosen to reside in this area, but art has become a vital aspect of the economy. There has been a tradition of studios, galleries and the well-known annual Festival of the Arts, Pageant of the Masters, Art-A-Fair and Sawdust Festival, which draw thousands of people to Laguna Beach each year.

In light of this tradition, I cannot believe that the city could allow the destruction of an important mural painted by one of its residents, Megan Jones, at Laguna Beach High School.

At a very young age, Megan Hart Jones proved herself to be a gifted artist. And before she lost her fight against cancer, she created a number of drawings and paintings that can only be described as masterpieces: haunting portraits drawn in graphite, transcendent cloud-filled skies rendered in watercolor, and intricately detailed still life. An intense dedication and commitment to art can be seen in every detail of her work.

Jones spent several months during her senior year at Laguna Beach High painting a wall mural commissioned by the school. The models for the mural were students, which adds impact to the meaning of the mural. In addition to preserving Megan Jones’ work, the act of saving the mural becomes an ultimate statement concerning the value of art.

Although the school board recently approved the preservation of the mural, no funds as yet have been allocated for its conservation. Time is running out. Surely a solution can be found to ensure the preservation of this important cultural resource.

PEGGY ANN EASLEY

San Clemente