From Staff Reports
It started out with the best of intentions.
Main Street Apopka commissioned an artist to create a mural on the recently refurbished Domino's Pizza building on East Main Street.
But now, the mural is drawing more controversy than praise after critics pointed out striking similarities between it and a 2017 mural created by Iowa artist Jenna Brownlee. The Apopka mural, unveiled on August 22nd, has quickly become the subject of public debate about artistic integrity, copyright, and responsibility.
In the latest saga, the City of Apopka released a statement clarifying its role in the project but remaining vague about its intentions moving forward.
"The City of Apopka is aware of issues surrounding the Main Street Apopka downtown mural project, which was unveiled last Friday, August 22," the statement reads. "The City does have a funding agreement in place with Main Street Apopka, which is aimed to help encourage the revitalization and economic growth of downtown Apopka. To date, the City has dispersed $12,500 in funds to Main Street Apopka as part of this funding agreement. Additionally, no City of Apopka officials or staff had any involvement in the selection of the art or artist, nor the commissioning of the downtown mural. The City Administrator’s office is reviewing this unfortunate issue with Main Street Apopka to gather more information and determine if any action regarding the funding agreement is required."
Earlier in the week, Main Street Apopka acknowledged the issue and apologized to Brownlee and the residents of Apopka.
"We would like to address concerns regarding our recently completed mural. It has come to our attention that the mural closely resembles the work of artist Mrs. Jenna Brownlee. We sincerely apologize to Mrs. Brownlee and to our community. While our goal is to celebrate Apopka through public art, we recognize that the result reflects too closely on her original creation. As a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing our historic downtown, we strive to uplift artists and act with integrity. We are now in direct communication with Mrs. Brownlee to properly acknowledge her work and provide fair compensation. We are grateful for the patience and understanding of our community as we work to resolve this matter in a way that honors the artist and reflects the values of our organization."
Ridge the Artist, who painted the Apopka mural, pushed back against the backlash.
"At the end of the day, it took me a month to do your work, not knowing I'd have to deal with copyright issues or public bullying because of it. Mind you, I spoke with Jenna and she hasn't replied, but the fact that I wasn't included in your apology, and that you've allowed people to bash me without correction, is simply wrong. I don't care what anyone thinks; karma works both ways. There were concepts of @jenna_brownlee's work sent to multiple artists, and I'm sure they believed they were safe to move forward on the project, just like I did. Yet instead of being transparent about how this situation even started, you've focused only on saving face. I'll never work with Mainstreet Apopka again. The fact that this happened on a city level shows the true colors of those involved. I'm disappointed in how this whole situation has been handled from start to finish."
Brownlee, whose 2017 mural sparked the debate, struck a conciliatory tone.
"As many of you are now aware, my original artwork was recently used without permission. I am in communication with the parties involved and working toward a resolution that protects the integrity of my work while staying true to the values I hold as an artist.
We pour ourselves into our art, and for many of us, it’s how we make a living—so it’s important that moments like this are handled with both tact and the seriousness they deserve. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all who have offered support during this time. Your encouragement and recognition of my art make the effort of creating worthwhile and continually remind me why I do this work. This has been difficult to navigate, especially when my life’s work has always been about bringing people together through art. What matters most to me is protecting the integrity of my work while staying true to the values that guide me as an artist. Art should be created and shared with honesty and respect, and I remain committed to that principle as I move forward. Thank you, all."
