Artistic help sought for Courthouse painting

Chris Bundy is working to improve the aesthetics of inside of the courthouse. He is seeking help from the community to help turn bland into beauty.

Courthouse grandeur returning

The grand old lady that sets in the middle of the Salem Square has received a lot of attention lately. The outside of the courthouse has received a necessary facelift, including structural improvements, to keep her standing healthy and stable. The courtyard received new landscaping and new grass thanks to the efforts of the Master Gardeners. And she is beautifully lit up on the outside due in part to Gene Hedrick and the community that rallied behind him in his fundraising efforts to fr the project.

Now, resident Chris Bundy is working to beautify and restore the inside. He said, “As one of the architectural treasures of Washington County, the courthouse has long been a source of pride for our county.”

Once he gained support of the commissioners, Bundy went to work. The courtroom had already been updated and most of the old and outdated fluorescent fixtures in the lobby and halls have been replaced with period appropriate lighting. The interior of the main lobby has been repainted, but now needs detail work.

Bundy designed the ornamental painted details to the plasterwork and other elements of the building. He had already reworked  the Chamber of Commerce and Washington County Tourism Commission office when it moved into the courthouse.

Bundy said, “It is a rather extensive job and I would welcome anyone interested in volunteering to assist with the painting to contact me.” While some of the painting is general, with doors and woodwork, there is a need for an artist or individual who enjoys intricate and detailed painting. Bundy can be reached for information at cbundy2012@gmail.com. The work schedule is very flexible.

Upon completion of the painting, pictures and history, along with historical items,  of the 1886 courthouse and public square will be added to the lobby.

Bundy invites residents to stop by and take a look at the transformation, remembering to adhere to CDC guidelines and those issued by the county commissioners for entrance into government buildings.