Iconic Mount Dora mural must go, city officials say

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — City officials with Mount Dora said this week that a mural painted along a homeowner’s wall showcasing an iconic painter has to go because it’s considered graffiti.

Richard Barrenechea is the artist who painted a 40-foot-long, eight-foot-tall “Starry Night” Van Gogh recreation near U.S. 441.

“It’s an artistic town, so everybody expects to see art murals, paintings and colors,” Barrenechea said.

Barrenechea said the wall was peeling, and chipping and had cracks. Barrenechea said he asked people who lived in the area if he could create the mural. He said the residents asked permission from city planning and he was under the impression it was OK. He began the project, but now he’s been ordered to remove it.

“I have people asking, and they are waiting (to hear) if I can continue with the project with their houses,” Barrenechea said.

The city said mural is a code violation for graffiti and must painted over by mid-August.

Lisa McDonald, a spokesperson for the city, told Channel 9's Angela Jacobs that they're not sure how the miscommunication happened, but in this residential area, any picture painting is considered graffiti or signage and must be removed.

The property owners can appeal and the issue will ultimately come before city council.

McDonald said the city is open to a discussion about the mural.

“We have to stand up for the rights of the art. It’s good for the art, it’s good for the city,” Barrenechea said.

Cox Media Group