WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Riverside neighborhood has seen its fair share of graffiti left behind on several properties this year, but after vandals hit one artist’s fence, he decided to turn the negative experience into something inspiring.

William Cooper has had a passion for art most of his life. After finding graffiti all over his backyard fence, he looked into replacing it.

It was going to cost thousands of dollars because of the size of his backyard. So instead, he decided to use something he’s good at to fix the harm done.

“The destroying of property as far as graffiti, that does not mean the end of the world,” said Cooper. “You can always cover it up.”

Cooper has painted incredible pieces of art before but never a fence.

He chose a bright orange-red color because it’s his favorite and added symbols that would encourage those who walk by the fence.

One symbol represents knowledge.

“You may not know everything in life, but in your lifetime, you will always be in search of knowledge,” said Cooper.

The other symbols represent wisdom and understanding.

“That comes along with your walks in life and your experiences with wisdom,” said Cooper.

He said the new art is way better than the graffiti that once lined the fence.

Cooper also has a message for the vandals.

While they may have damaged his fence, his faith in people remains untouched.

“This is real artwork,” said Cooper. “I just want them to have the same reaction of, ‘wow, never seen anything like that.’ If they get anything from it, you could take a negative and turn it into a positive.”

Cooper said several people have already stopped by to admire the new mural.

He plans to gather neighbors and other local artists to paint the rest of the fence and cover the remaining graffiti.