Well, we got excited too soon.
Just as we revved up to start the project on-site, we received the message that we would need to change the location.
On second thought, the Miffal had decided that it wanted to keep the upstairs as a whole--and the "Conference Room" in particular--relatively pristine. Pieces of public art are to stay downstairs.
So instead of getting started, we find ourselves back, exploring the building once again. Despite our disappointment, it is, as always, charming, with treasure troves at surprises at every turn.
In the stenciled bathroom, I find a mirror embedded in a century-old stove.
Photo of me being determined to find a space that works (baby is also determined, to be held all day):
Netta, who is running this project, suggested we make use of the entrance hall, just by the main door, painting over the mural that is already in place:
It's a good location, but I hate the fact that the texture of the wall has been smoothed over and covered. I also feel uncomfortable obliterating another artist's work.
We mark it as a maybe. It would only be doable if we took a pick and uncovered some of the original texture, while working some of the existing mural into our own work.
Both Julia and I were very attracted to Naomi Brickman's elegaic piece on the back wall, which used many of the colors we wished to use, while striking some of the same emotional notes.
While there are no walls available directly by Naomi's mural, Julia suggested making us of the door niche right beside it:
The niche retains much of the texture we loved so much on the upper floor. While the wall is much smaller, the work could splash out over the door itself, and onto the other side of the niche.
We both are excited by this idea. The space is smaller, but there is something much more dynamic about a swirling mural wrapped around several surfaces than the more classic rectangle.
Now we have to present the suggestion, and see how it works with health and safety regulations. I have a terrible feeling they might not want us painting right by an (emergency?) exit.
Fingers crossed!