SEATTLE — One of Seattle’s signature murals — a painting of Martin Luther King, Jr. — is on its way back to its former glory.
The iconic art in the Central District was defaced last month on the holiday that honors the assassinated civil rights leader.
The artist who created the mural plans to make it better than ever.
James Crespinel said the painting stood as a kind of beacon on East Cherry Street and MLK Jr. Way for decades.
It was unblemished for 26 years.
Crespinel said he was upset when he found out it was vandalized, but quickly turned his thoughts to what he could do to help.
“It was a little deep feeling of sadness that somebody would choose to do that on that day to this particular piece to make their statement on something that was kind of an icon, kind of a sacred piece to the community,” said Crespinel.
The art and its message are still sacred to many in the Central District and the city.
Crespinel will restore the mural using an anti-graffiti protectant. He said it should take about 10 days to complete.
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