March 13th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Cumberland’s Historic Preservation Commission met Wednesday afternoon at City Hall to review a request for public art on a privately-owned downtown building. Awesome Gifts and Collectibles located at 100 Baltimore Street owned by Jim Weir commissioned a local artist, Elijah Thane to develop and place a mural on the Baltimore Street and North Centre Street side of his building. 

Based on federal, state and local guidelines the commission did not approve the mural facing Baltimore Street sighting that it would take away from the architectural design of the property and surrounding streetscape. The commission however did approve the mural on North Centre Street with a stipulation that the artist provide detailed drawings of the mural. 

It is not uncommon for the HPC commission to permit certificates of appropriateness to proceed forward requiring additional information for a final decision. This is the first time a public art project has required detailed drawings instead of a mock-up which is normally the procedure. 

Adding to the difficulty of the review process is the newly formed arts commission tasked with reviewing public artwork, with members more focused on personal opinion and attacks of the artist rather than a cohesive guidelines. While it is a partial win for Mr. Weir to place a mural on his building, it is unclear whether the project will proceed forward.