A call has been sounded to protect and preserve some of Humboldt’s most beloved artistic treasures.
Harvey Peck, now 94, has spent a lifetime beautifying Humboldt, including adorning buildings with expansive and intricate murals.
You can find them in both old and new city halls, Estrellita Restaurant, the United Methodist Church and several other locations.
The subject matter in Peck’s works includes historical sites in or near Humboldt (such as the bandstand and seven-arch bridge), the Biblesta parade, pioneer scenes with cabins and mountains, Biblical images for children and much more.
Given that Humboldt’s old city hall will likely soon no longer belong to the city, it first became imperative to find some way to preserve Peck’s mural there, whether through photography, removal of the wall or some other means.
“We’re going to lose access to it,” explained Humboldt city administrator Cole Herder, as he pointed out some of the artwork’s fine details.
“It’s difficult to make an agreement” to guarantee that the piece will remain intact forever, and it could get damaged even with assistance from the new building-owner.
Hence the importance of developing a plan to make sure Peck’s works are maintained so that they can be enjoyed in perpetuity.
GIVEN the imperative to preserve and protect Peck’s works, two projects are proposed, Herder said.
“My immediate project is to capture this one that we’re going to lose access to,” that is, the mural in Humboldt’s old city hall.
“My secondary interest is more global. How do we capture Harvey Peck’s legacy?”
It’s a question that invokes the memory and potential contributions of many residents.
“I can envision a whole gallery of the murals,” noted Herder, even if the works contained are reproductions rather than originals.
Of course, Herder is only one person, and so he’s looking for help from across the community, especially when it comes to identification and archiving.
“Projects like this take someone that’s passionate about it,” he said. “I’m just not sure I have the time to carry it out.”
He encourages those who might have the time, knowledge or means to feel empowered to step up and join the undertaking.
