Peter Maxx

Stone Harbor approves Peter Max mural for water tower
By BRIAN IANIERI Staff Writer, (609) 463-6713
Press of Atlantic City
Published: Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Updated: Wednesday, June 21, 2006

STONE HARBOR — Peter Max is back.

With a tie-breaking vote needed, Borough Council on Tuesday approved the pop artist's temporary mural atop the water tower for about three months.

Supporters of the public artwork — 30 feet tall and 160 feet around — said it would attract vacationers and the curious alike to this shore town, which competes for summer visitors.

Stone Harbor could garner publicity without having to pay for it, supporters said. The art is donated, with the vinyl sheets and installation paid for by businesses.

But others said the exhibit is using borough property to advertise the artist and the Stone Harbor gallery where his artwork is being sold.

“It's an advertisement for Ocean Galleries (where Max is selling artwork), and borough property is not to be used for advertising,” Borough Councilwoman Anne Wannen said prior to Tuesday's meeting.

Borough Council split 3-3 in a vote on the mural. Mayor Suzanne Walters cast the deciding vote.

“I think it's truly in the best interest of the town,” Walters said.

This is the second year of an attempt to get the pop artist's mural on the baby-blue water tower, which dwarfs every structure around it.

Last year, insurance concerns regarding possible damage to the tower scrapped the plan.

This year, the insurance was worked out, and the project is ready to proceed, Walters said.

Ocean Galleries owner Josh Miller said Max, who has been the official artist for Super Bowls, the World Cup USA and an NHL All-Star Game, loves Stone Harbor. Max hatched the idea last year as a way to raise money for tsunami victims and the Wetlands Institute in Middle Township.

Max donated his work, and seven local businesses donated $35,000 for the installation and expenses, said Miller, who has represented Max for about six years.

Miller told Borough Council he persevered with the project even after it didn't take place last year.

“If I could have distanced myself from it, and Ocean Galleries, I would have distanced myself,” he said.

At a public comment session Tuesday, most spoke in support of the mural, even if they didn't particularly like Max's art.

“Let's not lose this opportunity,” said Buzz McCafferty, a local store owner. “We need to expose more people to the gem we have here. I'm not a Peter Max fan, but I love this project.”

Others hoped it would perhaps gain Stone Harbor national exposure and help raise money for the nonprofit Wetlands Institute.

But opinions about the mural were divided.

Former Councilman James Kilsdonk restated his opinion that the mural would look silly in Stone Harbor.

The mural includes seven images, including angels with doves and a man wearing bell-bottom pants.

Councilman Karl Giulian voted against the mural being displayed from June until September.

“There are too many people in town who do not want it all,” Giulian said.

However, Giulian said he was willing to vote in favor of the mural if the borough would compromise on the amount of time it was displayed.

But the resolution passed on the first attempt.

Miller said he expects the mural may go up as early as Thursday, wind and weather conditions permitting.

To e-mail Brian Ianieri at The Press:BIanieri@pressofac.com