GENEVA, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A Geneva artist and teacher said she won’t be deterred by the vandal who apparently doesn’t like the statement she’s making.
Chrissy Swanson is among the artists chosen to paint fire hydrants in Geneva’s “Art on Fire” program. The fire hydrant she painted includes the colors of the pride flag and transgender flag and a peace sign.
"I decided to paint it like this, because I believe inclusion is important," she wrote to WBBM in an email.
"I understand why people view it as a pride flag, but it is actually meant to represent the inclusion flag, which is why the valves on the sides of the hydrant are the colors they are."
The hydrant has been painted over twice... leaving Swanson both confused and frustrated.
"The response I have had has mostly been positive," Swanson said referring to community members' reaction to the project.
"However, I did speak with one man who was unhappy that I didn't paint the hydrant more neutral. I assume he meant innocuous."
Swanson said she followed the guidelines and that the city approved her design for the art initiative. She also said she intends to keep repainting the hydrant if the same thing happens again.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!