NORMAL (WEEK) — The Town of Normal is now working with Illinois State University to find a new place for the Jelani Day mural that was removed from the Trail East building in Uptown Normal Wednesday.
Town of Normal Director of Communications Cathy Oloffson said town leaders understand the pain and grief behind the painting, but the rules apply to everyone.
“Balancing the community’s grief and the sadness that people are feeling with the fact that if we allow this poster or tribute to stay up then we have to let the next thing stay up then the next thing stay up regardless of content,” Oloffson said.
For now, the Town of Normal is working with ISU to find a way to use the artwork and in a different place.
ISU Director of Media Relations Eric Jome said Day’s death has been hard for the campus community.
He said they’re thankful the painting was preserved.
“To be able to have a piece of artwork like that that we could display or incorporate into things that we’re doing, I think that’s really important,” Jome said.
Several ISU students and a business owner told Heart of Illinois ABC while they are disappointed, they understand why the painting couldn’t stay on the Trail East building, but they’re glad it will eventually be available to the community.
Jome said plans for the painting has not been finalized yet, but he said when they are, those details will be announced.
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