The owner of Dis.cord Gal.ler.y and Stu.dio in Lunenburg says it’s hurtful that someone spray painted ‘go away’ in front of the business.
Farley Blackman and his wife Courtney saw the message after opening the Montague Street location on September 3.
Blackman says it is an unfortunate incident but not the first time the couple has been subjected to such rhetoric.
They own a number of properties in town but spend time in the United States and London, England.
Blackman says the couple love Lunenburg and remain committed to enhancing its future while preserving its heritage.
However, he believes Lunenburg’s mayor and CAO need to make sure that everyone, whether they be multi-generation locals or people who come by choice are truly welcomed to the community.
Blackman’s full statement to the CKBW/Country 100.7 newsroom is below:
A number of people reached out to the business after the incident was reported on their Facebook page.
Meanwhile, Lunenburg’s mayor says it’s disappointing and upsetting to see mean-spirited graffiti in front of a local business.
Rachel Bailey says she has offered her apologies to Blackman on behalf of the town.
She says it’s an unfortunate development but doesn’t feel it’s due to Blackman not being from Lunenburg.
“Whoever did it perhaps didn’t realize how divisive it is to the community to make such a statement but I don’t think anyone should read anymore into it than the fact that it is an unfortunate act of vandalism.”
Bailey says Blackman is an important member of the business community.
“He has made substantial investments in the town and certainly there is a lot of attention given to him when he has an idea or business venture to pursue.”
The incident was reported to police and the spray-painted message has since been removed.
