RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - A spokeswoman for Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones said a permit the city issued to Art 180 that allowed the organization to display children's' artwork on Monument Ave was a mistake.
That means Art 180 will have until this Friday to remove the 4'x8' displays of expression by local students.
The exhibit, titled "What Do You Stand For" has been featured at several cultural events over the past year. Art180 originally held a permit from the City of Richmond Department of Public Works that would have allowed the art work to stay through May 4.
In a statement, Richmond CAO Byron Marshall said "It is unfortunate that an erroneous permit was issued for the display in question. I’ve met with city attorneys today as well as agency officials to review this matter. It is clear that a mistake was made and it is now incumbent upon us to uphold the law."
He called the display a violation of City code that prohibits signage in medians of roads. The statement goes on to say that the city will work with Art 180 to put the exhibit on display in a city park.
Earlier on Monday, Councilman Chris Samuels had announced an agreement between Art180 and Venture Richmond to let the artwork stay. Early on Monday he stated in a press release "it is my belief that the City will honor its commitments and I am sure the Administration is working towards a decision on the issue of permits for this public art display.”
