Bill Murray mural faces pushback from residents

Posted on March 4, 2020 By Editor Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill

Local artist Jason Tetlak created this mural after funding the project through Kickstarter and despite some community opposition.

Local artist Jason Tetlak has finished his latest creation at the corner of Plymouth Street and Edgewood Avenue, a vibrantly colored mural featuring Bill Murray’s face and the words Murray Hill, a playful take on the neighborhood’s name. The artwork, in electric shades of aqua, orange, lilac and sunshine yellow, is impossible to miss when traveling into the neighborhood under the Edgewood overpass.

However, not everyone is happy that the mural is the most visible introduction to the neighborhood.

First, there’s the problem of loosely strung-together concepts. The comedian and actor Bill Murray made his fortune on being well-liked and funny but has no ties to the area other than the coincidence of his last name. There’s also construction going on right next door that is set to cover up the mural with retail space and storage units.

“We are a community, we are a neighborhood, we are supposed to talk things out,” said community member Jose Lazcano. “It says something that he gained the financial support to do it. But that building is set to be covered up by the retail space.”

Tetlak did not return multiple interview requests from The Resident, so it’s hard to tell the story from the artist’s side. However, it’s clear that the work had some support and financial backing. Eighty-eight people pledged more than $2,700 in less than three weeks for the work, according to a Kickstarter page dedicated to raising funds for the mural. An unveiling party was scheduled for Feb. 29.

However, the design was a problem for others who didn’t support the project, some of whom even went so far as to create a petition at Change.org.

“Let’s let the community have a say in deciding how to paint the most prominent wall in Murray Hill, and not leave it up to just one artist,” reads the description page for the “Murray Hill, not BILL Murray Hill” petition, which was signed by 141 people as of Feb. 26.

“We as a community of residents, business owners, and commuters who pass the wall daily should have a say in the design of the mural,” the description reads. “If you do not want your neighborhood entrance to boast a photo of Bill Murray (while we all may love him, he is not in any way related to Jacksonville or Murray Hill), please consider signing this petition and forwarding it to anyone who may feel the same.”

By Jennifer Edwards
Resident Community News