Think of this as a lesson in art history.
That’s what Superintendent Adam Fried said about the 640-square-foot wooden mural set to hang in Harrington Park School’s all-purpose room.
"For me, it’s all about the kids and exposing them to art," said the superintendent.
Christened "The Wave," the mural has been a staple of the Bergen Mall since the mall enclosed its original outdoor promenade in 1973.
But a $171 million revamping of the mall, known as the Bergen Town Center since 2006, meant that "The Wave" would either have to find a new home or face demolition.
The superintendent said that the school plans to unveil "The Wave" at a ceremony the week of April 29, when students return from break.
Mall marketing director Clifford Brunelli said that the renovation project called for the demolition of the wall opposite the Century 21 store, where the mural hung up until two weeks ago. Interior work in the mall has already begun.
Mall officials, disheartened by the idea of destroying a 35-year-old piece of art, began a search for a new owner.
"It was not financial and there were no bidders," said Brunelli, unable to schedule a charitable auction of the piece in a short period of time.
Hearing of the mural’s demise in mid-February, Fried was one of six interested parties vying for the piece.
Brunelli said that the Harrington Park School, although stacked against offers from neighboring churches and school districts, best fit the bill.
"Dr. Fried said he had a great spot [for it] and could go on the wall in its entirety," said the marketing director.
The only criterion outlined by mall officials was that the mural stay in Bergen County without any changes to its original design.
Other interested parties were "looking to break it up or modify the mural," added Brunelli.
Arrangements were already made to cart the mural from its storage location at the mall last week. Now the school has the week of April 21 to arrange the 32 numbered slats, measuring 4 feet by 5 feet, on the right-hand wall of the APR room.
"It’s kind of like a puzzle that they’re going [to have] to put together," said Brunelli.
Fried said that "he and his guys" are ready for the colossal task.
"When luck falls on your lap you go for it," he said.
