Small-Town Murals

I read with interest the Column One article on murals (July 29). I was very involved in the Chemainus mural project and assisted Karl Schutz from 1983-1987. I am a third-generation “Chemainiac” and am proud to say that the wonderful changes to that town bear no relation whatsoever to Los Angeles or Los Angeles’ murals. As stated in your article, Schutz’s influence was from a visit to Romania in the early 1970s. The quotes from the two residents with financial interests in the L.A. murals reflect both ignorance and jealousy.

Have either of them ever visited Chemainus or Vancouver Island? All of the murals originate from actual photographs. My grandfather was a logger and his photographs were used for two of the murals. I am particularly proud of a mural by Ernest Marza which depicts the suffering of the “Chinese bull gangs” utilized in the 1800s for the railway and lumber industries. I just so happen to have helped paint that mural.

I would suggest that people visit this quaint little town prior to passing judgment on the quality or content of the murals. There is a reason that Chemainus is a model for places such as Lompoc and Twentynine Palms. A half-million tourists per year since 1983, many who are return visitors, cannot be all wrong!

ANGELA A. TROUTMAN

San Pedro