Vandalized fence gets mural makeover by St. Albert artist wanting to help

A fence that was covered in graffiti until a stranger stepped in is bringing a neighbourhood in St. Albert together. CTV News Edmonton's Marek Tkach explains.

A vandalized fence has gotten a facelift thanks to a St. Albert artist wanting to help out his community.

“She posted this picture of her fence that was defaced by someone who thought they were funny and then put some very inappropriate images on the fence,” artist Robert Murray told CTV News Edmonton on Wednesday.

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The Nanson family posted on Facebook about the unwanted graffiti that was spray-painted onto two sections of their backyard fence. Murray saw the post and decided he needed to take action – turning an act of vandalism into an act of kindness.

“I reached out to her and said, “That’s not cool. Let’s do something about this.’ And I offered to cover over the graffiti with a mural at no charge,” recalled the artist who has called St. Albert home for 40 years.

“I live in St. Albert and it’s important to me to be a part of the community and do what I can to make it right.”

Murray said the Nanson family were initially “surprised” by the offer to help. But were quite pleased when the work was done, taking Murray only an hour to complete the fresh mural featuring fall foliage over the tagged fence.

“She seemed very happy with that perfect time of year,” Murray said, adding that he had consulted with the Nanson family prior to painting over the graffiti with a forest that pictured autumn-coloured trees and grass.

“It was awesome. It didn’t take him very long and he did a great job,” homeowner Kevin Nanson said about Murray’s artwork. “We really, really loved it.”

Nanson said his family loves nature and the mural is very fitting, almost camouflaging with their yard.

“It really fits with our neighbourhood and us as people, so it was a wonderful thing,” he added, grateful for Murray’s kindness.

Murray said he has been “blessed with the gift to paint” and the biggest payback is the “wow factor” people have on their face after seeing his art.

“It’s a bit of a small way of payback for my gratitude towards the community in general,” Murray said, looking at the new fence blending in with the fallen leaves on the grass and the trees screening the yard behind it.

“It’s great to have on our back fence (and hopefully) last for a long time,” Nanson added, optimistic that Murray’s art and kindness will continue to brighten the neighbourhood.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Marek Tkach and Galen McDougall