Vandals strike with upsetting strokes

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 24

A number of Vernon’s downtown murals received unwanted – and upsetting – ‘additions.’ Vandals painted moustaches, swastikas and religious references on murals at the Schubert Centre, Staples and AJ’s Pets and Things sometime Tuesday evening. “This is very troubling, and we would like to find the person or persons responsible for this vandalism,” said Vernon RCMP spokesman Gord Molendyk. Staff and patrons at the Schubert Centre were very troubled by the recent outbreak of graffiti at their building. “It’s very troubling, especially the swastikas,” said John Piovesan, president of the Schubert Centre Society. “We can get most of the graffiti off but it takes the paint with it. I’d like to find the guy who’s doing this and paint his whole body.” Two months ago, graffiti was painted on the rear and side doors of the centre. The mural, which was defaced with a swastika and a Hitler-like moustache painted over the top lip on the image of Mrs. Schubert, was also hit a week ago. “It’s pretty upsetting. It’s just a pain,” added Schubert Centre manager Jack Gareb. “We can scrub the graffiti off but it’ll have to be painted again, and it just adds to the costs.” Artist Michelle Loughery, who painted the murals, has been through vandalism before with her works, which are admired and respected by locals and visitors alike. “It always shocks me when this happens,” said Loughery. “The murals are usually respected. This is an act of violence. It’s an unfortunate thing that I find very offensive.” Vernon RCMP are asking for the public’s help in catching the person or persons responsible for the mural vandalism. If anybody has any information, they can contact the Vernon detachment at 250-545-7171, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).