Orson Welles, the Dick Tracy comic strip and the 1993 motion picture Groundhog Day would be feted on a 118-foot long mural under consideration in Woodstock, Illinois.
The Woodstock City Council discussed the downtown mural during its November 15 meeting, when graphic designer Michael Stanard, owner of Woodstock’s One Zero Charlie, presented details from a plan he spearheaded with Councilman RB Thompson, The Woodstock Independent reported.
The 15-foot tall mural, planned for a wall bordering the pedestrian walkway adjacent to Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theatre on Main Street, would feature famous figures with Woodstock connections: Welles, comic strip artist Chester Gould and his most celebrated creation, Dick Tracy; stars of stage and screen who performed at the Opera House; and characters from Groundhog Day.
Welles was educated at the Todd School for Boys in Woodstock. Gould lived in Woodstock for the final 50 years of his life and is buried there. The romantic comedy Groundhog Day was filmed in Woodstock.
Stanard estimated the project would cost about $50,000 for a “classically done,” hand-painted mural. A vinyl alternative would cost about $24,000, and fundraising and sponsorships could offset most or all of the cost.
The City Council responded positively to the proposal, although they cautioned details of the project — among them, how to pay for it, who would own it and how to secure intellectual property rights — would have to be worked out before they would commit to supporting it.
Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager voiced support of the idea to the Northwest Herald, but he too wanted to iron out details before any action was taken. The mayor had questions about the final cost and potential copyright issues.
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