JOHNSON, Vermont (WCAX) — The Johnson Beautification Committee has received select committee approval to put a mural on the side of the garage. It aims to make works of art more accessible, while signaling an inclusive community.

However, some of the village administrators say they don’t know enough about the play to decide whether it achieves that goal.

“It’s a jointly owned building, which is operated by the city,” said Johnson Board Chair Beth Foy.

The board last month approved a mural on the side of Johnson’s town garage. The building overlooks the Rail Trail and Old Mill Park, which means it would be highly visible.

Foy says they informed the village administrators as a courtesy, not expecting any trouble, but some want a vote on the artwork.

“There is a general historical handshake agreement between the town and the village where each of the municipalities has some leeway to work independently on their respective buildings, if not used by both entities,” Foy explained.

Village administrator BJ Putvain contacted Channel 3, saying this understanding only applied to general building upkeep, not artwork.

“Art that we have no idea what it means or represents is not part of the deal. All of this could have been resolved if just one member of the committee had come to our meeting to explain the piece,” Putvain said in an email. “We have a responsibility to our constituents and putting something in place that nobody can tell us what it stands for is not something we can just do.”

The mural is by Finn Watsula, an NVU graduate and local artist. Johnson Beautification Committee Chairman Kyle Nuse said the mural was part of the committee’s goal to beautify the area with things like flowers and art.

Nuse says this is the first time they have been pushed back.

“The art is kind of performed in the eye of the beholder, Nuse said. “We named it ‘Humans of Johnson’ because it really represents the diversity in different sections of our city.”

The village trustees first expressed concern during their July 11. In the draft meeting minutes, one even went so far as to say “this should represent our community and not just a bunch of cartoon characters.”

Others were thrilled it was moving forward, saying it represented a diverse and inclusive community. Foy said village administrators have not formally communicated their concerns to the town’s selection board.

“We had some areas that we didn’t agree on initially, but we discussed them together, so I’m confident we can come to a mutual conclusion,” Foy said.

Putvain said the mural would be on the agenda for their next meeting. The directors aren’t totally opposed to the mural, but hope to get more information before voting one way or the other. He says he hopes someone from the beautification committee will be able to attend and clarify the meaning of the arts directly to them. Their next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on August 1.

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