SANDPOINT — The Arts Commission has been worrying the meaty bone of what constitutes a mural versus a sign. The marrow of the matter is whether a proposed artwork falls under the commission's or the city Public Works Department's domain. Any business seeking to post a mural within the downtown area must obtain the approval of the Arts Commission while anyone wishing to post a sign must meet city zoning guidelines.

The debate, as well as recent mural approval requests, has prompted arts officials to create a draft document that seeks to put a finer point on which is which.

"Murals have long proven their efficacy as a method used to revitalize neighborhoods, restore communities, and beautify cities, giving residents a sense of pride in their community and a sense of place. The main difference between a mural and a sign is content," reads the draft document. "While a sign is specifically advertising a business, product, or service through graphics or text, a mural is solely artistic in nature. There are multiple types of artistic murals, including environmental, historical, inspirational and aesthetic. Unsanctioned drawing, painting, or other forms of vandalism on private or public property are considered graffiti."

Recently, Oranet Nail, the owner of Ohn's Thai Plate restaurant, located in the Oak Street food court, requested approval to affix a mural to the outside of the building. The mural is an 8-foot by 4-foot photograph of a Thai food river market. The request sparked a new debate on the nature of mural art.

"Discussion centered on if a photographic image can be defined as a mural and if this type of art is a preferred medium within the city. The commission agreed new technology is now moving towards this type of mural and the idea of having pictures displayed on buildings as murals is favorable. The commission agreed maintenance and the ability to move the art is a plus. The commission concluded any picture painted or printed which depicts a pictorial display including design, illustrations or a symbol is considered a mural for purposes of review," according to the minutes of the June 20 Arts Commission meeting.

The river market scene received unanimous approval and will be on view at the food court soon.

A second mural approval request on the agenda at this month's meeting consists of some decorative additions to the Bizarre Bazaar shop located at 502 Church St. The Community Assistance League, a local benevolent association which operates the upscale resale clothing and home decor store, wants to add some painted trompe l'oeil entrance embellishments that resemble tall wrought-iron gates. The proposed mural will feature wall-sconce illumination.

The Arts Commission considers several criteria in evaluating a mural approval request. The theme of the artwork should be compatible with and respectful of the community context, and its content should be protected under the First Amendment. It must comply with Idaho obscenity laws and should not advertise illegal activity, according to the commission's draft policy statement. In addition, the Arts Commission evaluates a mural to ensure it meets standards for location and design.

"The purpose of regulating murals is to ensure the continued visual aesthetic of the community, by allowing for compatible artistic and creative expression through murals in appropriate locations and designs. The review criteria seek to establish guidance as to the compatibility and appropriateness of the theme, location and design of murals, with minimal intrusion into artistic expression and/or the substantive, personal or political expressive content of the artwork," the draft mural policy said.