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“Remembering Iryna” Mural to Be Removed; Providence Mayor Says He Did Not Direct It
An update on the controversy of the “Remember Iryna” Mural at 19 Snow Street:
Over 24 large murals have been installed across the United States, with more going up each day to pay tribute to 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, who was murdered while sitting on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina. A man seated behind her suddenly and violently attacked her, stabbing her to death.
The effort was promoted by entrepreneur Eoghan McCabe, an Irish tech entrepreneur and co-founder of the software company Intercom, who proposed funding murals across U.S. cities. The campaign later gained wider attention when Elon Musk publicly pledged financial support for murals nationwide.
Locations with a large outdoor wall surface can apply through the Remember Iryna website (www.rememberiryna.org) for a $10,000 grant to cover design, materials, and artist costs. As the project expanded, Musk and others contributed funds, with Musk reportedly donating $1 million to ensure mural proposals would not be declined for lack of funding.
We could find no other city or town where the murals have generated similar controversy, though one mural in Chicago was vandalized with black paint. These murals are typically protected with coatings that allow graffiti to be easily removed.
The Providence Mural
What began as a tribute quickly became a flashpoint—drawing reaction from city officials, politicians, the artist, and the community—before a decision was made by the building owner to remove the mural mid-process, leaving it unfinished.
The mural in downtown Providence is now set to be removed just days before completion, marking a swift and notable turn in a controversy that drew both local reaction and national attention.
The owners of The Dark Lady have said they want the mural taken down immediately, and the artist has indicated it will not remain in place.
Statement from the owners, as reported by multiple media outlets:
“We heard you PVD. We are deeply and sincerely sorry for everything that has taken place over the past week. After reflecting and learning, we have made the decision to discontinue this project and will move forward with removal as soon as possible. We remain committed to fostering unity, safety, and care for all members of our community, and we will continue to listen, learn, and act with those values at the forefront.”
Decommissioning of the Providence Mural from 19 Snow St.
The artist said a Boston company, Boston Building Wraps, has been engaged to remove the mural. No details have been provided regarding timing, method, cost, or who will pay for the decommissioning.
Mayor Smiley says he didn’t say it has to come down
In an interview with Kim Kalunian on WPRI-12, Mayor Smiley responded to reports that he said the mural has to come down, saying it wasn’t his decision – it was the owner of The Dark Lady:
“A private owner of a building decided to put a mural up that I don’t think he understood the full context of. And I was asked whether I thought it should come down, and I thought it should,” Smiley explained. “I didn’t stifle anyone’s speech; it was his decision whether to continue with it or to take it down. But it certainly wasn’t bringing us together as a community.”
Claims, “…this was distorted by an erroneous tweet by the President and… right wing funders” – says another location can follow the process, and he might express his opinion, but would not take steps to stop it.
Interview on WPRO
During an interview on WPRO with Tara Granahan, the artist said the mural will be removed and that he is seeking alternative locations. A wall approximately 42 by 38 feet would be required.
The Petition to Keep the Mural
A petition to keep the mural has gained traction. Approximately 24 hours ago, it had about 1,400 signatures; as of publication, it has grown to almost 10,000.
A New Providence Location?
How about finding another location in downtown Providence? How about THIS ONE, where the artist was seen teasing he may have found a new spot as he walked around the downtown area.
127 Dorrance Street – facing the Garrahy Court Building
Who Was Iryna Zarutska?
Iryna Zarutska came to the United States from Ukraine, seeking distance from the violence unfolding in her home country. She was in the U.S. legally. Earlier this year, she was killed while traveling by train in North Carolina—an unsettling end for someone who had come in search of safety.
While seated and looking at her phone, she was attacked by a man with a history of mental illness and prior arrests, who stabbed her repeatedly. He was later apprehended. Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ownership and Oversight Questions
The mural was created by local artist Ian Gaudreau, whose work often incorporates portraiture and symbolic elements. The unfinished piece included blue, frame-like forms surrounding the portrait, which the artist described as representing differing perspectives—a motif drawn from his own youth.
The property is owned by Randy D’Antuono through Snowmen LLC. D’Antuono also operates The Dark Lady and Alley Cat at the same address, and owns Friskie Fries, with locations in Providence and Johnston.
Owners, Artist, and Mayor Respond
Building Owners: In a statement posted on social media, the owners said the mural was intended as a memorial, not a political statement.
“The mural on our building was created for one reason: remembrance. It honors Iryna—a life taken too soon… It was never intended to be political.” They also addressed criticism, stating, “We want to be absolutely clear: we are Democrats,” and emphasized their ties to the community.
Mayor Brett Smiley:
“The murder of the individual depicted in this mural was a devastating tragedy, but the misguided, isolating intent of those funding murals like this across the country is divisive and does not represent Providence.”
Ian Gaudreau, artist:
Posting on Instagram, the artist said he was saddened by calls to remove the mural before it was completed and emphasized that the work was intended to humanize Iryna, not serve a political purpose. He described the blue motif as representing individual perspectives and expressed concern about the broader reaction to the piece.
Mayoral Candidate David Morales:
Rep. David Morales (D-RI) says the mural for Iryna Zarutska "does not reflect our values" pic.twitter.com/KL6lrDjl0I
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 31, 2026
A Debate Playing Out Nationwide
Community reaction has been mixed. While some supported the mural as a memorial, others questioned its message and context. In local television coverage, one resident asked why similar public tributes are not more common for victims of violence in other communities. The issue is unfolding as Providence approaches a mayoral race.
This is a developing story and we will continue to follow up.