A vibrant mural in a pedestrian tunnel near Glacier High School in North Kalispell has been painted over. This action marks the end of a long struggle against persistent vandalism, which included racist slurs and personal attacks. The decision was made by the Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana board after years of damage made maintenance impossible.
Key Takeaways
- Mural in Glacier High School tunnel painted over due to relentless vandalism.
- Graffiti included racist, homophobic, and sexually explicit messages.
- Over $10,000 worth of artwork was lost.
- Security cameras were installed in the summer but did not stop the attacks.
- The blank wall aims to make future graffiti easier to cover.
Years of Vandalism Lead to Removal
The mural, created by the KALICO Art Center through the Rails to Trails Tunnel Vision Project in 2021, was one of eight installations along the Rails to Trails path. It was funded entirely by donations. However, the tunnel, which runs underneath the U.S. 93 Bypass, has faced repeated defacement since its creation.
Officials with the Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana board released a statement on October 23, explaining their decision. They cited "years of struggling against persistent vandalism by area youth" as the primary reason. The damage had simply become too much to maintain, they said.
Key Fact
The original mural project cost over $10,000, all funded through community donations. Volunteers also attempted to protect the art with a $4,250 anti-graffiti sealant, but it proved ineffective against the frequent attacks.
Escalation of Harmful Messages
Rick Hull from Rails to Trails noted that while other murals in the project, such as one near Lone Pine State Park, have largely remained untouched, the tunnel by Glacier High School has seen "relentless and damaging" vandalism. Initially, the graffiti included crude images and profanity. Over time, it escalated significantly.
"This project began with the hope that a vibrant mural would replace hate with creativity. Instead, the tunnel has become a place where harmful language has grown," stated Alisha Shilling, Chair of the KALICO Art Center.
The more recent graffiti included "racist, homophobic and sexually explicit messages targeting apparent high school girls by name," according to Rails to Trails. This shift from general vandalism to targeted attacks caused significant concern within the community.
Community Efforts and School Involvement
Concerned community members previously offered cash rewards for information leading to the identification of the vandals. More recently, there was a push for school officials to find ways to stop the rampant graffiti. Glacier High School Principal Brad Holloway confirmed the school's involvement.
Security cameras were installed in the tunnel over the summer. This was done after securing a permit from the Montana Department of Transportation. Holloway explained the school's commitment to community partnership.
"We want to be a good community partner," Holloway said. "It is a space that the kids use and we want to make it a safe environment for not only the students but community members too."
Students regularly use the tunnel during lunch breaks to access nearby businesses. Since the tunnel is off-campus, the school works closely with law enforcement to address vandalism incidents.
Background Information
The Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana project aims to convert disused railway lines into multi-use trails for recreation and transportation. Integrating art, like the murals, was intended to beautify these paths and deter graffiti, fostering a sense of community ownership and pride.
A Fresh Start for the Tunnel
The task of painting over the artwork was completed on Thursday by the Glacier High School Honor Society. This student group often participates in various volunteer service projects within the community. The decision to paint over the mural was made to create a blank canvas.
Principal Holloway stated that the now blank wall will make it easier to cover any future graffiti. This approach aims to quickly address new vandalism, preventing it from escalating or becoming a permanent fixture. The two murals located at either entrance of the tunnel will remain untouched.
The hope is that by removing the defaced artwork and maintaining a clean surface, the tunnel can become a safer and more welcoming passage for students and community members alike.