Appalachian State University officials are vowing to restore a public art piece to its original condition after it was vandalized earlier this month.
The colorful “Transit Candy” mural runs down a staircase outside of the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts.
A section of the artwork was defaced this month. App State officials are working with campus police to investigate the incident.
A pair of Baltimore-based artists created the artwork on the 36-step flight of stairs last year. It consists of brightly hued lines inspired by textiles that run down the staircase ending in a fringe pattern like you might find on a rug.
Denise Ringler, director of the university's office of arts engagement, says in a statement that it has become a beloved landmark on campus since its installation last year.
She says the university is considering adding security cameras on the Turchin Center grounds.