Kalispell Woman Accused of Destroying Art Released

By Beacon Staff

LOVELAND, Colo. – A woman accused of destroying a controversial piece of artwork in northern Colorado is out of jail.

Fifty-six-year-old Kathleen Folden of Kalispell, Mont. was released on $350 bond on Thursday. She was arrested the day before at the Loveland Museum/Gallery after witnesses say she smashed the glass shielding a print and then tore part of it up.

Critics say it shows Jesus engaged in a sex act. The artist says it’s not Christ, but a collage aimed at showing how the church has corrupted spirituality.

Folden declined comment about the case to reporters but said “Just remember, God is real” before leaving.

Cliff Stricklin told The Coloradoan in Fort Collins that she’s a mother and grandmother with strong religious convictions.