DeLand's Beloved Butterfly Mural Under Attack: What's Next for Artists?

DeLand, Florida, USA - The butterfly mural in DeLand, Florida, is at the center of attention once again, but unfortunately, not for reasons to celebrate. Over the past two months, this vibrant piece of art has been vandalized multiple times, marking a troubling trend that has left both the artist and the community disheartened. Originally painted in 2019 to commemorate DeLand’s designation as Florida’s First Monarch City, this mural has faced five episodes of vandalism within just the last month alone, as Click Orlando reports.

Artist Courtney Canova, who has contributed significantly to DeLand’s artistic landscape through numerous murals, is committed to restoring the butterfly mural. However, after paint was thrown on the mural during these acts of vandalism, he now faces a tougher job than expected. “It’s frustrating,” Canova shared, emphasizing that incidents like this are not typical for community artworks and expressing his determination to have the mural back in shape soon. Plans for the repair involve considering the use of a thinner to remove the anti-graffiti material for a more efficient cleanup process, noted My News 13.

The Emerging Concern

While this is the first time in seven years that the mural has faced such blatant vandalism, concerns are rising about the implications for public art in DeLand. Paint splatters have marred this artwork significantly, requiring tens of hours of labor and hundreds of dollars to remedy. Nearby businesses lack surveillance cameras, further complicating efforts to catch the culprits, as pointed out in an extensive overview by For The People Collective.

City officials are rallying behind Canova, developing strategies to monitor the area more closely to prevent further incidents. City spokesperson Chris Graham characterized the repeated vandalism as a “cowardly and criminal act,” vowing to hold those responsible accountable. The growing scrutiny on this case highlights a larger conversation about the treatment of public art and the distinction between street art and vandalism.

A Broader Discussion on Art and Community

Street art—encompassing murals, stencils, and public installations—has always vacillated between public expression and perceived vandalism. Historically rooted in cultural movements of the 1960s and 70s, street art aims to enhance urban life and reflect social narratives, as detailed by For The People Collective. It can invigorate communities by drawing tourists and promoting local identity while also engendering concerns about property rights and urban gentrification.

The butterfly mural’s plight shines a light on these tensions in DeLand, where citizens now face the reality of art as both a transformative force and a target for vandalistic behavior. Canova’s ongoing work represents a commitment to preserving the community’s cultural fabric, despite setbacks. His plans to start repainting the mural are expected to resume in the coming days, and with city support, there’s hope that the spirit of this butterfly—and the beautiful intentions behind it—will take flight once more.