EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – Evansville Toys and Games came very close to losing one of the most recognizable aspects of the business: its window art.
Owner Daniel Barritt says the city notified them that all their artwork on the windows was not up to code, and must be removed.
They say only 25 percent of window space is allowed for advertisements, and because the art depicts things they sell, they are considered ads.
“It just made me sad and heartbroken because I love the way that it makes people feel and the excitement the see when they see the artwork in the front of the building. They take pictures of it and it just brightens their day,” Barritt stated.
After working with the city, the store got the opportunity to apply for a permit to keep the art, and be an exception to the rule.
They say the chance to keep the murals means a lot to them.
They also plan to submit an application for their new building as well.
“I’m very appreciative of area planning to giving us the opportunity to have this possibility to keep the artwork. It means a lot. It means a lot to me and a lot of people,” Barritt stated.
Others with the store say Barritt’s positive attitude has kept them going in a lot of tough moments, including when they lost their last location to a fire in 2021.
“From the fire to something like this, I’ve seen him overcome so many struggles and not only does it bring something good, it brings something better than what was before,” Belt stated.
They say they’re grateful for the opportunity to work with the city, instead of fighting them.
Barritt says the final decision from the board will come in March.
Until then, the art is here to stay, and they hope that won’t change any time soon.
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