Art News

Federal Lawsuit Filed Over Maine Labor Mural Removal

AUGUSTA (AP).- A federal lawsuit was filed Friday over Maine Gov. Paul LePage’s decision to remove a 36-foot mural depicting the state’s labor history from the Labor Department. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court seeks to confirm the mural’s current location, ensure that the artwork is adequately preserved, and ultimately to restore it to the Department of Labor’s lobby in Augusta. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of six plaintiffs: An organized labor representative, a workplace safety official, three artists, and an attorney. LePage contends the mural depicting labor history overlooks the contributions of entrepreneurs. His office said Friday it hadn’t seen the lawsuit. “We have only seen the press release issued by a law firm that represents the AFL-CIO and employs the chairman of the Maine Democratic Party,” said Adrienne Bennett, the governor’s press secretary. “The mural remains safe and secure, awaiting