Kalispell mural targeted by vandals, again

A mural inside a pedestrian tunnel by the MyPlace hotel in North Kalispell was hit with a second wave of vandalism days after offensive graffiti was discovered defacing the artwork.

Now, a group of concerned citizens is offering a $500 reward for information about the perpetrators of the vandalism.

On Sunday, volunteers who went to clean up the mural after the first vandalism incident noticed new graffiti in the tunnel.

Based on their knowledge of when members of their group had been present at the tunnel, they believe the second incident took place Friday night or Saturday morning.

Graffiti was first discovered on the mural, titled “Fern Forms,” on Dec. 1.

“It’s unfortunate,” said Kip Smith with Rails-to-Trails of Northwest Montana. “It’s distressing that it’s gotten hit again.”

Rails-to-Trails partnered with KALICO Art Center to install a series of murals inside and on the entrances of the pedestrian tunnels in North Kalispell. Roughly 120 community volunteers came together to paint the murals.

It’s possible that multiple people have been involved in vandalizing the mural, because the first attack was so extensive, Smith said.

The two attacks were done using different materials and carried unique messages. The first incident involved anti-Semitic, homophobic and generally hateful messaging targeted at specific groups, including Glacier High School. The second wave of graffiti carried more vague threats, including “you are not beyond solution.”

As of Monday, Smith said all of the graffiti had been cleaned up, but it left damage to the mural so the art will have to be repainted in the spring.

“I don’t think this has anything to do with the mural,” said Smith. “I didn’t know you could be mad at ferns.”

Hateful vandalism isn’t new to the Kalispell community. Anti-Semitic graffiti has appeared in various locations throughout the city over the past few years, including Woodland Park and the former CHS grain silos.

“This was vandalism and a hate-filled attack against the community,” said Alisha Shilling with KALICO regarding the first incident in the tunnel. “This had nothing to do with the mural and everything to do with the moment of history we are living in…”

Smith believes the low-trafficked location of the Fern Forms tunnel has made it particularly vulnerable to defacement. Rails-to-Trails is working with the Kalispell Police Department, and they’re looking at increasing security near the tunnel.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is invited to anonymously report to Flathead Crimestoppers at 406-752-8477. Those who do not wish to remain anonymous can contact the Kalispell Police Department at 758-7781.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at 406-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.