Oceanfront mural honoring veterans not being repainted

Sam Welty's mural (Photo: Kathy Mateer)

Sam Welty’s mural (Photo: Kathy Mateer)


The mural was covered up in November. Management of the Howard Johnson at the Oceanfront told affiliate WTKR they painted over the mural because it was peeling and water began seeping into the building.



“For them to go back on their word it was pretty disheartening,” said Welty. “I don’t understand why they made that decision. I would have assumed it was because of the money, but I took that off the table. I can find the money somewhere else, there’s a lot of people who want to help, but he changed his mind.”

Sam Welty's mural (Photo: Kathy Mateer)

Sam Welty’s mural (Photo: Kathy Mateer)

When the mural was originally painted over, WTKR set up a meeting between Welty and Matthew West, who runs a management company working with the hotel. On Dec. 1, West agreed to bring Welty on board to repaint the mural once all leak issues were taken care of at the hotel.



The muralist said he’s not done with the situation by a longshot and he will paint the wall again or find another place to honor the military.
