Kensington businesses, mural targeted by graffiti vandals

CALGARY- A tagging spree that caused thousands of dollars worth of damage has left many people shaking their heads—including fellow artists.

Over the weekend, a number of businesses in Kensington were targeted by graffiti vandals. Someone even sprayed over a mural.

“I just don’t really understand that aspect, I just understand it from the passion of creating art,” says Wil, a visual artist. “When one kind of destroys the opportunity of another or conflicts with it, it’s just kind of difficult for me to comprehend.”

The area councillor is also disgusted by what happened.

“I know the artist has had to repair it several times, and I think he is at the end of his rope,” says Druh Farrell. “It’s supposed to reflect community spirit, the spirit of Hillhurst-Sunnyside, and I know it impacted a lot of people.”

She adds projects like a new pilot program aimed at preventing vandalism could help.

“I think it’s better to prevent it at the source, so can we identify kids who are having problems and intervene.”