Village Of South Orange: Statement Regarding Seton Village Mural

Press release from the Village of South Orange:

June 22, 2021

On Tuesday June 22, the Village received the following statement regarding the loss of the Seton Village mural:

"On Friday, June 18, Mr. Sayid Nagim was distressed to learn that the community mural celebrating the life of Mr. David Adox and his courageous fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (“ALS”) was inadvertently painted over by a new tenant moving in to the 325 Irvington Avenue commercial space in the Seton Village neighborhood.

Please know that Mr. Nagim was not aware that the mural would be painted over and the new tenant, eager to be a vibrant business owner, was not yet familiar with the neighborhood to understand its significance. This was an error that we collectively take responsibility for and apologize to the South Orange community - particularly Danni Michaeli, David’s husband and principle of the mural project - as well as the artist Betsy Davis, volunteers and donors to the Artbender project.

When South Orange Village and Artbender initially approached Mr. Nagim for permission to paint the mural, Mr. Nagim was honored and quick to agree acknowledging the importance and beauty of honoring a beloved Seton Village resident who, to this day, remains in the hearts and minds of so many families that he touched and through his words and actions emulated his wish, “Until Further Notice… Celebrate Everything!”

In the upcoming weeks, Mr. Nagim will be working with townships officials and community stakeholders, and financially supporting the installation of a new mural to replace what was lost in cooperation with the new tenant."

This press release was produced by the Village of South Orange. The views expressed here are the author’s own.