July 2, 2020 3:50 a.m.

Two Winston area groups hope to save a 1953 mosaic mural from the grounds of the original Douglas High School.

A release from the Winston Area Community Partnership said they have teamed with local alumni and community members on the project.

The release said due to budget constraints and rising construction costs, salvage and relocation of the mural was cut from construction plans funded by the passage of bond measure 10-169 in May of 2019. WACP’s release said a number of people expressed a desire to save the mural at a recent school board meeting.

WACP Board President Jeremy Mitchell said he saw the situation as an opportunity for the group to use its non-profit structure to help facilitate fundraising efforts. He said, “this fits directly into our mission of serving youth and community, and allows the public to make tax deductible donations to the cause”.

The release said the final cost estimate has not yet been determined, but according to Douglas Alumni and current architect Bill Richey, costs could range between $10,000 and $20,000. That depends on some factors that have yet to be determined. The release said the current location of the mural will be part of the final phases of construction, so alumni and community members have until the summer of 2021 to raise the funds necessary and to find a new home on campus.

Donations can be made online at: https://healthywinston.org/wp/donate-now/