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Derrick Rose Memorial Trashed, Artists to Hold 'Vigil Restoration'

By Darryl Holliday | March 10, 2015 3:16pm

BUCKTOWN — Every rose has its thorn, and some thorny basketball fans (or detractors) made quick work of the Derrick Rose memorial Tuesday afternoon.

The memorial appeared Sunday and quickly blew up in sports news and on social media following his most recent knee injury and subsequent surgery Feb. 27.

Artists David Beltran and Brendan Carroll, who created the memorial by pasting the image of Rose and arranging some memorabilia that other fans later added to, rallied supporters to help restore it with a Facebook page Tuesday.

Beltran said he had "no idea" why someone would tear it down, but he started hearing about it on Twitter after people went to visit the memorial.

"It kind of bothered us a little but it started becoming a public participation piece," he said, adding that people want to help put it back together.

A post on the Facebook page referencing the artists pseudonyms described the latest development at the memorial under the Kennedy Expy. at Fullerton Avenue:

"As most of you know, artists Bae Cutler and Joaking Noah have created an art installment/Vigil for Derrick Rose to come back for the playoffs. However some disrespectful people/ possible pistons fans have destroyed it. We can restore it though!"

The page invites the public to "come with [Bulls] memorabilia, Derrick Rose get well cards, [roses] and flowers, [c]andles and just general good vibes" at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the site of the memorial to help rebuild it.

"Lets keep it up through out the playoff run and lets get the gold back in Chicago!" the invite concluded.

Beltran said he was "surprised" someone dismantled the piece, adding that feedback had been overwhelmingly positive.

Already, Beltran said 15-20 people have expressed interest in recreating the memorial.

"I’m sure it’ll go right back [up] with [a] little help, regardless of us."

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