Deer sculptures vandalized in Idyllwild

An art installation of deer sculptures was vandalized Friday night in Idyllwild, the Art Alliance of Idyllwild announced Sunday.

Community members found pieces of the demolished public art in the parking of a nearby bank on Saturday morning.

The public art exhibition, called “Deer Sightings,“was on display at the Town Monument on Village Center Drive, as well as elsewhere throughout the city. The deer were painted by local artists and the project was sponsored by the Art Alliance.

“We are outraged at this cruel and violent act of vandalism,“ Marc Kassouf, president of the Art Alliance, said in the release.

Police and community members are seeking a suspect responsible for the damage. They are hopeful that security camera footage from the bank and nearby businesses will help in identifying a suspect, the release said.

Last year, another deer was also stolen during Super Bowl weekend from in front of La Casita Restaurant. It has since been replaced by the Alliance.