FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — In Fredericksburg, there is what some call a mural misunderstanding. One non-profit is fighting to keep a beloved mural outside its thrift store after the Historic Review Board ruled against it.
Executive Director of the Heart of the Hills Pregnancy Resource Center, Nicole Davis said the mural was created to help promote positivity in the community.
The store, Brave Heart Unique Resale Boutique opened in February to help raise money for the pregnancy resource center and provide job opportunities for clients.
“Whatever proceeds we have at the end of the month can go back into the pregnancy resource center,” Davis said.
Recently, the focus as been on the side of the building the non-profit is currently renting off West Main Street near North Bowie Street
“The wall was just so ugly and now it’s so beautiful,” Non-profit board member Sheri Danze said.
Sheri Danze said the mural of wildflowers and a scripture reading ‘fearfully, wonderfully made’ was created by local artist, Liza Proch. However, Danze admits the non-profit did not follow proper procedures when it came to the mural.
“We started painting before I got the COA,” Danze said.
She is referring to the certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Review Board. Danze said once she realized they needed the official approval, the non-profit paid a fine and went before the board on August 13.
“They said it wasn’t culturally or historically significant to Fredericksburg,” Danze said.
The board voted against the mural and ordered it to be painted over. Once the word got out online, Danze said the community started to speak up.
“When they got the social media pressure they said or you can appeal,” Danze said.
The nonprofit filed for the appeal and can keep the mural up for the time being.
Since word got out about the whole ordeal, they have noticed an increase in foot traffic and support.
“We’re not always busy on a Saturday, we’ve been constantly busy,” Danze said.
The city’s zoning board will make a decision regarding the appeal on September 18, according to Danze.
“I’m confident going through this appeal process that the city and the community will continue to support art,” Davis said.