The mural at the 6th street skate park was painted over yesterday by a random citizen. The mural was there to remember the 4 youth who died in a car accident last fall. The Arts and Culture Alliance made a social media post last night saying, “We are already in process of working with the families to transition the piece with local artist Benny Fernandez.” Reaching out to Police Chief Mike Tupper he said, “while this is not a crime, we are disappointed over what this man did.” The wall at the 6th street skate park was put up by the City and Park and Recreation Department as a public art measure, the Arts and Culture Alliance partnered with the city after to bring along local artists. While it was never intended to be for long-term displays, and we knew this mural was temporary, they gave this piece extra time to give the community an opportunity to grieve and heal together. The Arts and Culture Alliance echoed that this is a public wall, but were saddened to hear and see the memorial piece covered up.
Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB