Springfield, Oregon Offers Sneak Peek of New Simpsons Mural

The “real” Springfield has given fans a glimpse of the much-publicized mural that will be erected in its city, and have begun their search for an artist to paint it.

As you can see, the preview is a bigger tease than you’ll get at most strip clubs, showing only a small part of the mural. The section features Lisa & Maggie riding a bike together.

However this tease is intentional, as the city and 20^th Century Fox don’t want to spill the beans too soon, lest the fans blow all their excitement before the dance is even over.

“In coordination with Fox, we want to let people discover the art during the install, and at the dedication event,” city spokesman Niel Laudati told the Register-Guard.

Proposals are due July 10 with the artist expected to start working by the end of that month. September 10 is the planned completion date.

The winner will be selected by a committee composed of members of the Springfield Arts Commission and Emerald Art Center (where the mural will be featured), as well as city representatives. However, Simpsons creator Matt Groening gets the final say, to avoid the mural turning out to be a crudely-drawn Principal Skinner and the incorrectly-spelled phrase: “I am a weiner.”

Furthermore, the Register-Guard reported that Fox has placed some restrictions on the piece, including a requirement that the city post a sign near the mural stating that public photos only be used for personal use.

However, the city and art center can use its image in promotional materials, such as brochures, fliers, and other pieces or paper that will be immediately thrown out by their recipient.

[Source: The Register-Guard]