MILTON — The Milton city council is considering a city-beautification art contest proposed at the Jan. 17 business meeting. However, not all council members support the concept.
The contest, "Wings over Milton," would be open to all local artists in the area. City manager Randy Jorgenson said it would resemble artist Colette Miller's Global Angel Wings Project. In 2012, Miller painted human-sized angel wings on walls in Los Angeles. Their placement allowed passers-by to pose in front of them for pictures, so the subjects appeared to have wings. The project's purpose is to, "remind humanity that we are angels on this Earth," according to http://colettemiller.com.
Jorgenson said potential artists would paint murals in various places around the city, with the property owner's consent, where visitors and tourists can take photos. The contest winner would receive $500.
The artists could, Jogrenson said, paint murals highlighting the county's aviation history.
Councilwoman Shannon Rice said she was against the project saying it was, "contentious and no longer unique." Rice said other communities including Pensacola have already done this project and said that she was concerned with the original project's religious overtones.
"I think we should do something unique to our community," Rice said. "If we should end up doing this project I would like us to be completely removed from association with Global Angel Wings and Collete Miller."
Jorgenson said he did not feel naming the project "Wings over Milton" was an issue and said this project would be a benefit to the city.
Councilman Jeff Snow agreed saying the submissions would have nothing to do with Miller.
Councilwoman Sharon Holley said this project was a good idea because, "it would support Whiting Field which has been a big economic drive for Milton."
The project also received support from Councilman George Jordan.
Jorgenson said city staff would bring council a redrafted proposal of the project that could remove reference to Miller and Global Wings should council require. Council voted to return to the project during the February council meeting.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Wings over Milton