PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — What began as a memorial for a slain Ukrainian refugee has transformed into a political lightning rod in the “Creative Capital,” with Mayor Brett Smiley now calling for the artwork’s removal.
The mural, located on the exterior of The Dark Lady, a prominent LGBTQ+ club downtown, remains incomplete as city officials and community members clash over its message and funding.
The Mayor’s Office confirmed Sunday that Smiley wants the mural of Iryna Zarutska taken down.
Ryan Medeiros reports on the continuing controversy over a mural in Providence. (WJAR)
Zarutska, a 23-year-old refugee, was brutally stabbed to death in North Carolina last summer. While the project was intended as a tribute, its ties to national political figures have sparked intense local debate.
Zarutska’s death became a focal point for national conservatives, including President Donald Trump, who has frequently cited the case while criticizing what he describes as lenient court systems in Democrat-led states.
Further complicating the local response is the project’s funding, which includes a significant donation from tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Artist Ian Gaudreau, who began the work last week, told NBC 10 News on Friday that he never intended for the tribute to be political. Some residents visiting the site over the weekend echoed that sentiment, urging the community to focus on the victim rather than the politics.
“Here in Rhode Island, in Providence, this is what we’re about,” said resident Jennifer Cross. “We should be accepting of everything and take politics aside, honor all of the people who need to be honored, and just stop. I know the divisiveness of today’s politics… but stop. Let it go forward. She needs to be honored.”
However, the scrutiny has taken a toll on the bar owners. During a visit to the site Sunday, an owner of The Dark Lady asked NBC 10 to leave, stating that the experience has been very distressing for the business. The owners declined to comment further.
The city previously stated that the mural at 19 Snow Street was not commissioned or funded by Providence and had not been officially registered with the city by the artist or the bar owner.
The Mayor’s Office has not yet specified the legal or any regulatory grounds for the removal request. NBC 10 News is working to schedule an interview with Mayor Smiley to clarify his stance.