Red Wing's Prince Tribute On Bluff Has Been Restored
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It appears the Prince tribute that was painted over on the Red Wing bluffs has been restored.
After Prince's death last Thursday, someone painted a purple glyph representing "The Artist Formerly Known As Prince," which Prince changed his public name to in a dispute with Warner Brothers, on a bluff.
Not long after, city officials painted over the tag, prompting outcry from the community, especially on social media. On Tuesday, the city announced that they were following current policy regarding paint on the bluffs, whenever anyone complains.
According to a Facebook post Thursday, however, two artists – Joe Gibart and Brian Patron -- hiked up the bluff overnight and restored the tribute.
Gibart credited Bill Hanisch from Hanisch Bakery with helping in the fight to restore the tribute.
"Who ever said you can't fight city hall didn't have Bill Hanisch on their team," Gibart said. "Wednesday night after the viewing of Purple Rain at the Sheldon, a member of the city council, Dan Munson posted on Facebook wishing for someone to paint the bluff."
Gibart continues, saying that after finishing up work at 1 a.m. Thursday Patron and him hiked up the bluff and spent all night bringing the bluff back to "it's former glory."