About two weeks ago, Chicago artist and muralist Gabriel Villa began painting a mural on the outside wall of a bar and liquor store in Bridgeport. The mural depicted three Chicago Police Department blue light cameras that carried the CPD logo along with other images, like a crucified Christ, a deer head and a skull. Villa says it was not meant to disrespect the police or the city. The mural was recently painted over, at the behest of 11th Ward Alderman James Balcer.

Is this a case of censorship? Jon Pounds is the executive director of the Chicago Public Art Group which supports and protects public works of art. Scott Hodes is an attorney who has long championed artists’ rights. Alderman Danny Solis, who has a number of murals in his ward, and Alderman Balcer did not respond to our invitation to join the conversation.

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Photos: Before and after