Group Apologizes to Police for Mural Depicting Pig
Reacting to an avalanche of criticism, the city-funded organization that sponsored the repainting of a large outdoor wall by the Venice Pavilion apologized and is planning a mediation between the mural painters, local police and the community.
Sydney Kamlager, public art director for the Social & Public Arts Resource Center, said that the organization apologized to LAPD officers after an artist painted a portrait of a pig in an officer’s uniform at a painting event held Aug. 16.
Although some residents want the portrait whitewashed, “We don’t have the legal authority to do so,” she said.
Sgt. Michael Yang, supervisor of LAPD’s Pacific Division beach detail, remained unimpressed with the apology.
“It definitely does not help community-based policing when members of the community publicly display art which doesn’t respect the police. It’s disappointing and has had an impact on officers’ morale,” he said.
Yang did not know if he would attend the still unscheduled mediation.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
