Silke Jasso
Countless country music fans have traveled to Nashville to see the place where the music they love is made. While in town, many have taken plenty of pictures in front of some of Music City’s most iconic institutions, including the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium. Many tourists have also traveled to Nashville’s 12th Avenue to take a picture in front of the “I Believe in Nashville” sign, proud to share their adoration of the city.
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But, they won’t be able to do that again for a while.
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On the morning of March 15, the building landlord woke up to find the famous sign vandalized, with tar now showering down on the artwork that was originally created in remembrance of the 2010 flood.
“It’s unfortunate. It’s such a positive thing and so many people have enjoyed it. It’s just a bummer,” landlord Andy Howell told The Tennessean.
It didn’t take long before fans began to share their sadness over the now-defaced iconic sign.
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SOMEONE POURED BLACK PAINT ON THE "I BELIEVE IN NASHVILLE" SIGN HOLD ME BACK FAM HOLD ME BACK pic.twitter.com/r1wdFxei0y
— Michael-Chase Strollo (@mcstrollo) March 16, 2017
Artist Adrien Saporiti also issued a statement about the next steps in restoring the sign.
“The mural will be repainted, and I hope it can continue to serve as a symbol for unity, positivity and peace for anyone who loves this city. As appreciated as the support is, I would like to take this moment to remind people to think about the intent behind the piece, and to practice those things today and going forward: unity, positivity and peace. In the grand scheme of things, it’s art. It can and will be fixed. If any good can come from this, let’s choose to do so.”
