Uptown mural now the subject of a federal lawsuit

Posted on April 26, 2019
The lawsuit filed in Peoria claims federal copyright law, called the Visual Artists Rights Act, does not allow the mural to be destroyed without the artists’ permission. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – Artists who created a mural in Uptown Normal have filed a federal lawsuit against the town government and Trail East developer Bush Construction to protect the mural, which is set to be demolished when construction starts on the $30 million building on Beaufort Street.

The lawsuit claims federal copyright law, called the Visual Artists Rights Act, forbids demolition without artists’ permission.

Chicago lawyer William McGrath is representing the 13 artists who filed the lawsuit in Peoria federal court.

The artists’ seek an injunction prohibiting the “destruction, distortion, mutilation or other modification” of the mural, in addition to financial damages.

The Trail East project includes offices, residences, and a food court. Three buildings on the northeast portion of Uptown Circle, including the attached mural would be knocked down.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos, who has backed tax incentives for Trail East, declined comment on the lawsuit.

City Manager Pam Reece said, “We are evaluating the lawsuit and will appropriately defend the town’s position.”

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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