ImaginArt in the Alleys

City of Marion

Funding Received: 2014
Marion, IA
$350,000
Funding Period: 1 year and 5 months
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May 13, 2017

On March 24, I posted a blog regarding the vandalism of Cecilia Lueza’s mural. In today’s Cedar Rapids Gazette, it was reported that a man was caught on surveillance footage in February in the act of damaging the mural. He was identified on social media, charged yesterday by the MPD with second-degree criminal mischief, and will appear in court at a later date. Cecilia made a return trip from Miami to Marion this past week in order to repair her mural. While she was repainting the damaged area, the vandal approached her to apologize for his crime. Since he will face either a very large fine or jail time, it is no surprise that he is well and truly sorry. Perhaps this unfortunate incident will send a message to others - that expressing yourself through legal means is a smart alternative to vandalism.