By Kolby R. LaMarche

A vibrant new mural at 266 Main Street, unveiled to transform a then-graffiti-covered building into a symbol of community, was once again defaced less than 24 hours after its completion. 

The “Building Blocks” mural, a 3,461-square-foot artwork designed by acclaimed local artist Clark Derbes, was intended to beautify a prominent downtown site across from Edmunds Elementary and Middle School. The vandalism, discovered on Sunday morning, has sparked frustration but also renewed determination among residents who worked hard to restore the project.

The mural, a collaborative effort led by Mission Murals and the Edmunds Elementary PTO, draws inspiration from the building’s minimalist architecture, early digital design, and Vermont’s natural beauty. 

Its large geometric shapes symbolize the building blocks of childhood education, growth, and play while being designed for easy maintenance. The $10,000 project, funded largely through tax-deductible donations, aimed to turn an eyesore at the intersection of South Union and Main Street into a lasting landmark of art. 

Community paint days brought together neighbors, parents, and students to contribute to the artwork, which was completed on Saturday.

However, overnight vandalism left the mural tagged with graffiti, including what Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak described as “harmful and dangerous messaging.” 

In a statement issued Sunday, the mayor expressed sadness and frustration, noting she had joined community members the previous day to paint the mural. “This mural project is a prime example of community organizing for the beautification and betterment of our City—something to be celebrated and encouraged, not mocked or destroyed,” Mulvaney-Stanak said. She commended the Burlington Police Department, led by Chief Shawn Burke, for their swift response and commitment to holding those responsible accountable.

This incident follows a similar act of vandalism in the area. Some weeks ago, just steps away, a 360-foot mural around Memorial Auditorium was defaced shortly after its July unveiling. 

Burlington City Arts (BCA), which oversaw that project, reported that the artwork, meant to serve as a colorful welcome to the city, was so heavily damaged that portions had to be removed. “It was tagged and vandalized, and we removed the most heavily damaged pieces because it no longer achieved the goals that we wanted,” said Colin Storrs, BCA’s public art and grants program manager. The loss left a black wire fence in its place, a loud contrast to the intended vibrancy of the previous fence. 

Though, organziers say, The “Building Blocks” mural was meant to counter such challenges, with its design prioritizing durability to withstand future touch-ups. Mission Murals, a volunteer-run collective, quickly worked Sunday afternoon to gather residents, again young and old – citizens and city councilors – worked throughout the day to re-paint and cover the vandalism. 

“We are back at it on Day 2,” the group wrote on social media. “We had a little bit of a downer occur last night. But that’s only fostering more community unity!” 

As of Monday, the mural was restored to a presentable condition and volunteers say they will continue to ensure it stays that way.