Mailbag: Tilly’s mural is a breath of fresh air

Tilly’s mural is a breath of fresh air

I have been reading about the mural, which is scheduled to be painted over, on the Tilly’s building in Irvine (“Tilly’s mural spurs debate about art,” Dec. 13).

To me, this art by Zio Ziegler is a breath of fresh air in our fair city. I would much rather look at it than all the glut of apartments and condos going up along the 405 and elsewhere. Come on, Planning Commission, show some class and keep the mural up for us to enjoy!

Cindy Cooksey

Irvine

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Irvine should preserve mural

I moved to Irvine about five years ago. One of the first things I noticed, other than the woefully out-of-sync traffic lights, was the drab architecture. A very safe city but a very boring one. Friends who would visit remarked at the austerity of the city.

I’ve seen this gradually change in several areas over these five years. Recently, the new walking/biking trail and the high-rise glass Irvine Co. building at the Spectrum have been welcome additions. When I first noticed the Tilly’s mural, I thought, “Wow, the city is trying hard to change the aesthetic, and this mural is definitely a step in the right direction.” It’s trendy and eye-catching.

As with any art, there are going to be lovers and haters, but that’s art. You can’t please everyone. This mural has brought many remarks from my friends who have visited since it went up, all positive.

It’s befuddling and a shame that a city that seems to be trying to change things for the better would even consider painting over this mural. City commissioners can sure exude the rhetoric, but words are empty and analogies are misguided.

I can’t understand for the life of me why the City Council would vote to eliminate it, aside from the bureaucracy. If the original deal was a short-lived mural, change it.

What’s the big deal, anyway?

Dennis Kline

Irvine

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Mural has appeal for all ages

My son, 35, and I drove by Tilly’s recently for brunch at Scott’s, and I told him that the mural will soon be history, not unlike the restaurant in Costa Mesa.

He was as upset as I am. He drives by daily on his commute and looks forward to seeing the mural.

I don’t see it as often, but it’s so powerful that I love it. I am 70. I mentioned our ages just to show the breadth of its appeal.

I love it when art is integrated in a community, and I hope we see more instances in the O.C.

Martha Green

Costa Mesa