By Jacqueline Durett
Correspondent
EDISON—The Edison Arts Society got the green light to bring some color to the entrance of the municipal building.
Gloria Dittmann, president of the society, spoke at the March 21 Township Council meeting about her intent to feature an artistic interpretation of Edison Township and Thomas Edison in art form on the building.
“I had a dream that we should do something to improve the entrance to this building,” she said. “This doesn’t sound very charitable, but I really think it’s ugly,” she said of the current state of the entrance. The society has exhibits on the third floor of the building.
Dittman said she approached one of the arts society’s artists, Fernando Silva, about her idea. She said Silva, who was in attendance at the meeting, suggested that the mural be done in tile, which would be visually interesting and more weather and stain resistant than paint.
Dittmann said there would be two 8 feet by 10 feet murals, each consisting of 200 tiles. One mural would specifically focus on the people and businesses who contributed to the success of Edison, and the other would pay homage to Thomas Edison.
“I think the two murals would be very impressive to anyone who comes to visit us,” she said. “They would really have to acknowledge how beautiful it is, and it would certainly make the unveiling one of Edison’s finest hours.” Ideally, that would happen in September, she said.
She said she was speaking to the council to let them know about her intentions and answer any questions officials may have.
While she has already reached out to the schools so each could create a tile for the mural, she said, there is not yet a final design for the project. She stressed that she wants the finished piece to be collaboration among residents and is eager to get suggestions.
She said she also hopes residents will share their money, too, since the project will take funding to become a reality. Silva will create a commemorative tile specifically for those who contribute $500 or more.
Dittmann said she had already spoken with Mayor Thomas Lankey about the project. “We’re not going to ask the township for any money,” she said, adding that she may ask for some assistance from a couple of township employees once the mural is ready to be placed on the wall.
Council President Michael Lombardi applauded Dittmann’s efforts and recommended that she speak with Councilman Leonard Sendelsky, head of the Edison Memorial Tower Corporation about ideas.
“I’d be interested in helping out in any way that I can,” Sendelsky said, and added that he would also like Thomas Edison historian and Rutgers history professor Dr. Paul Israel to weigh in as well.
Councilman Robert Karabinchak said he was interested in helping Dittmann realize her goal, whether it be helping fund raise or organizing assistance in placing the mural on the wall when the time comes.
“With your lead in this, I’m sure it’s going to be a success,” he said.
Lombardi thanked her for her efforts and polled the council to ensure there was support across the dais, and there was. Lombardi told Dittmann no further action was required for her to proceed with the project.
Dittmann said those interested in sharing their ideas or contributing can call her at the Edison Arts Society at 732-548-9134 or send a letter to her at 15 Midland Road.
