Fence art comes under fire

What would you do if one of your neighbors painted a mural on their fence? Well, for at least one South Highland area resident, you'd call Shreveport City Councilman Monty Walford and complain.

Word of this reached my ears late yesterday afternoon. I was intrigued.

I have to admit I already knew about the mural. Fellow The Times staffer Melody Brumble told me about her plans to allow a local artist to use her fence as a canvas. Not too long ago those dreams became reality and not too long after that Brumble began to hear complaints. Just a few. But it turns out the complainer is rather vociferous.

Curious, I went by this morning to see the mural. I was surprised. I expected a bright, colorful display that would jump out at me but in all reality the mural is rather subdued. A variety of sea life - sharks, dolphins, rays - are depicted in a setting reminiscent of how visitors to an aquarium might take in the view. The colors are far from bright. In fact if you're not looking for it as you drive down Highland Avenue, you might just miss it.

So what's all the fuss? What if Brumble had put up a political sign or religious message? Would the neighbor be as unhappy? Maybe so. Maybe not. But it seems to me the same rights - property and First Amendment - that protect a homeowner's ability to post a sign proudly announcing his church affiliation or paint her house pink (Eww) or put up a holiday display also apply in this situation. Period.