FARGO, N.D. – Customers arriving at Bernie’s Wines and Liquors on University Drive South were dismayed to discover graffiti defacing a mural on the building’s south side. The mural, created by local artist Anna Johnson in the summer of 2022, has been marred by the unauthorized addition of graffiti. General Manager John Langdahl expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s unfortunate they didn’t value Johnson’s work.” Despite efforts to clean the graffiti, it appears Johnson may need to repaint the mural to fully restore it. The graffiti, which remains visible as of Wednesday afternoon, reads, “Makayla Marie Trautman took advantage (of) a disabled person.” Langdahl indicated that surveillance cameras were unable to capture the perpetrator, but additional cameras will be installed as a precaution. Bernie’s Wines and Liquors is cooperating with the Fargo Police Department, urging anyone with information to come forward. They plan to apply additional gloss sealant to the mural after repainting, in hopes of deterring future vandalism.
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