Country music association wants Merritt, B.C., murals appraised

Murals depicting music celebrities in Merritt, B.C., could be worth more than just a glance, according to the Canadian Country Music Association.

The association wants to get the murals, including paintings of Tim McGraw and Elvis Presley, appraised so they can find out what the pieces are worth to the community.

"It helps the downtown stay alive," said association president Ron Sanders.

"We'd like to see itbeing recognized properly."

The murals were painted by artist Michelle Loughery from Vernon, B.C., between 2005 and2012 as part of an initiative thatprovided at-risk Indigenous youth with trades skills and created public art for the community.

"The legacy that's left behind has a dollar value that I don't think anyone's ever quantified," Loughery said.

By placing a valueon the murals, Sanders said applying for corporate or government funding will be easier for the association, which operates the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and its Walk of Stars.

"We're always looking to legitimize our projects," he said.

Sanders approached Merritt city council last week to share this idea and let them know the association is considering asking the city to be part of the appraisal.

"I think it would be worthwhile for the city to have the information," Sanders said. "They don't realize what the assets are in town."

"There's many things I think this conversation can start that's educating a small community of the value," Loughery said.

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Because the project has a heavy tourism component, Sanders said he's also hoping to get local tourism associations and the museum involved.

"The country legend murals are a valuable tourism asset for our community," said Will George, manager of tourism with theCity of Merritt."They help set Merritt apart from other similar sized communitiesand assist to bring visitors to our downtown core."

Sanders expects the appraisalcould cost up to $10,000, but says it's worth it because the pieces will help bring in future tourism dollars and funding.

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"It's an asset you can usefor leveraging for funding," he said. "It supports your credibility and the value you've put into the project."

Sanders said there are plenty of ideas about what the art may be worth, so having an official appraisal will answer some questions and give a true sense of value to the whole city.

With files from Tara Copeland

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