GENEVA, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Geneva artist who made a statement with her design for a community project allowing people to paint fire hydrants says she will not be deterred by a vandal.
Chrissy Swanson posted a picture of the fire hydrant on the Facebook, painted red this time, and she wrote: "Arghh!"
"The hydrant has been painted three times now," she told WBBM. "I don't mind repainting it, but it's more the thought that the meaning behind the hydrant is being covered."
The hydrants in Geneva were painted as part of a program called “Art on Fire.” Swanson’s design includes the rainbow pride flag and a peace sign.
She chose a location that’s not in someone’s front yard and said somebody doesn’t like her message celebrating diversity and inclusion.
"I don't understand how someone can not be welcoming to everyone," Swanson said. "There's enough things things to be mad at each other about."
When Swanson came up with the design, she said she didn’t anticipate what she calls “a cowardly act.”
Having it painted over for a third time only strengthens her resolve to paint it again, Swanson said.
Police are looking into the recurring incident.
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