Sharing this from the brother of the original artist.

Hello,

I was just informed of the decision to get rid of my brother Todd Brown's mural in Taylor Park by an outside artist who specializes in urban art. This is my hometown. I was raised and nurtured here and I'm thankful to be able to give my input. The people of this small town shaped me into who I am today. To be able to say, "I'm from Orange," is a blessing. A stranger can't drive through Orange without getting waved at—at least twice! People are friendly here. People get along with each other. Trust me, I know, I've lived away from it for over 25 years! Coming back to my hometown as an adult I get to appreciate the beauty and rich history I glossed over as a child. People from all over the country (and the world) come to see Orange and Montpelier, the home of James Madison, the Father of the Constitution. It's both sad and surprising to see that someone who has never lived here or even visited, who doesn't know what it's like to hear the train whistle blow through town at midnight or win a blue ribbon at the Orange County Fair or grow tomatoes in his or her backyard and try like heck to keep the deer out, and someone who specializes in urban art whose life experience and struggles are entirely different from someone who grew up in Orange would be commissioned to do a mural here. This mural will be seen by most tourists coming from Montpelier into the quaint little town of Orange for a visit. Wouldn't it be better to have local talent represented? Of course, I would love for my brother's mural to stay. He is widely known as an artist in Orange and anyone who knows him is fond of him. I know I am. If the mural has faded and needs to be replaced and that's the decision made, then I understand. But I think we should look at local talent or, at least, someone with the appreciation for the town's beauty and heritage.

Thank you,