Paint the street

We adorn the walls in our homes with pictures and art. We should decorate the streets of our city the same way.

A Public Art Committee -- while still swaddled in infant clothes -- aims to be the voice of Cape Girardeau's public artscape. The group began the discussion a few years ago and has slowly gathered interested parties. It has an artist, a businessman and a city representative (no, this isn't the beginning of a bar joke).

The committee right now is simply an ad hoc group that hopes to form a public art policy that would guide the art we see on the streets. The discussion echoes that of any art theory class: What is art? More specifically, what is public art? How do you define it? Is it public art if it's on private property but in view of the public?

The committee right now has more questions than answers, but seeks to change that eventually.

A public art policy would respond to the aforementioned questions and plenty of others.

The ultimate goal is to make Cape Girardeau more than sidewalks, plants and buildings. It would accessorize our walkways and streetscapes.

In terms of fashion, a public art policy would be the style guide. A sculpture on every corner might sound good in theory, but it really just allows for clutter and less prestige. You want to dress up appropriate areas with flattering pieces.

The group is also tasked with figuring out how to acquire and maintain the art.

Making public art a part of the scenery takes more than expressing the desire to have it. It needs to be enticed, encouraged and managed. The committee hopes to facilitate the necessary conversations to make that happen.

The group has only met a few times and isn't ready for public comment.

Watch the Southeast Missourian and SE Live for more developments.