Vandalized Artwork Finds New Home At Newton City Hall

NEWTON, MA — A Newton Out Doors Public Art Initiative painting that was damaged in an Anti-Asian act of vandalism last month has found a new home at City Hall.

The painting, titled "Por Por," depicts the artist Amanda Beard Garcia's Asian grandmother, who was born in China, came to the United States as a teenager, and spent most of her life in Brookline. As of this week, "Por Por" has an official sign with a personal message from Garcia.

"Everyone in our extended circle of family and friends knew her as 'Por Por,' writes Garcia. "She was loud, petite, frugal, green-thumbed, dextrous, independent, generous, fierce, funny, and resilient; our anchor."

"We miss her terribly," she continues. "I never did learn to speak Cantonese, but I think 'Por Por' was just enough."

During a series of Anti-Asian hate incidents and break-ins in July, "Por Por" was found with paint scraped from its surface. At its new home outside City Hall, the side of the painting that is still intact will be protected and celebrated as a piece of local history.

"I stand with our Asian neighbors," said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a statement following the act of vandalism. "All of Newton stands with our Asian neighbors. Today and in the days to come, Newtonians will continue reaching out to and watching out for our neighbors."