YPSILANTI, Mich. (WXYZ) — Art banners on display at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti were slashed over the weekend in what organizers are calling an act of vandalism, forcing the organization behind the project to take them down early.
The banners had been up at Riverside Park since May and were scheduled to remain on display until October. The organization, Embracing Our Differences Michigan, decided to remove them ahead of schedule to prevent any further damage.
Nancy Margolis, executive director of Embracing Our Differences Michigan, said the vandalism has been difficult to process.
"We're so sad that this has happened. It doesn't look good," Margolis said.
Margolis described the project as more than just a display.
"It's an art and education program all about differences," Margolis said.
This is not the first time the organization's art has been targeted. Two years ago, their art installation at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor was defaced with politically charged messages. Margolis said she does not believe this latest incident is politically motivated.
"I just think it's some people who are unhappy people, maybe children who just have nothing else to do," Margolis said.
Lynne Settles, art director at Embracing Our Differences Michigan, said the banners were created by artists of all ages, including children as young as 8 and 9 years old.
"They are so amazed and so excited. I've had parents calling me and tell me they're child was just in tears or running around happy," Settles said.
Settles said the early removal is especially disappointing for the younger artists who will no longer be able to see their work on display.
"Whatever your reason for slashing this artwork, shame on you for taking it out on the kids," Settles said.
Despite the setback, Margolis said the organization has a plan to preserve the artwork and keep it visible to the community.
"We're going to reproduce their images on a foam core and have an exhibit somewhere in the city," Margolis said.
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