Another act of vandalism has occurred in the WOW Art Park in Wittenberg.
Sometime during the last weekend in June, vandals used spray paint to deface one of the pieces of art at the park on East Vinal Street.
The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department was notified. Photos and videos of the damage have been turned over as part of the investigation.
“This is more than just paint on a wall,” WOW officials posted on social media. “Every mural, sculpture and improvement in the WOW Art Park exists because of countless hours donated by volunteers who believe in making Wittenberg a more beautiful place. None of us are paid. We simply give our time because, we love this community.
“That’s why this hurts. It’s discouraging to see something created with so much care and pride intentionally damaged.”
Elaine Knab, of the WOW’s volunteers, said previous acts of vandalism included broken pieces on the sun sculpture, multiple broken tree branches, trash and a trampoline put up in a tree.
“Our volunteers donate countless hours, because we care deeply about creating and maintaining a beautiful place for our community to enjoy,” Knab said. “We are extremely disappointed that someone would choose to vandalize one of our murals, especially one that has brought so much enjoyment to residents and visitors alike.”
Knab and others are hoping the vandals can be identified.
“We’re hopeful that someone in the community may recognize the tag or have seen someone in the area and be able to provide information that could help identify the person or people responsible,” she said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Walls of Wittenberg through its Facebook page or call the sheriff’s department at 715-526-3111.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
Vandals used spray paint to damage one of the murals at the WOW Art Park in Wittenberg. Anyone with information is asked to contact Walls of Wittenberg through its Facebook page or call the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department at 715-526-3111. (Contributed)
