Street artists share their passion
Published on Wed, Aug 12, 2009Read More Communities
Motorists driving past the Marysville Public Library on a recent sunny Saturday afternoon may have been surprised to see graffiti artists at work on the front lawn, in plain sight. With makeshift canvases propped up on a oversized group easel, the street artists' spray cans shared space with paintbrushes and colored chalk wielded by kids and other community members.
The event was the brainchild of Joseph Nagy, a student at Marysville Mountain View High School, and sponsored by the library as part of its Express Yourself teen program.
It all started with a visit to the school by Marysville City Councilmember Carmen Rasmussen.
"She came to my senior civics class to talk about city government, so I asked her about some of the laws," said Joseph. "I didn't agree with the graffiti laws, and told her why. She suggested that I put together a show so people could see that this was art, too."
Rasmussen put the student in touch with Laura Tate, the teen program's librarian, who thought a graffiti art show would fit perfectly with the library's summer program.
"We're all about protecting freedom of speech and creative expression," Tate said. "This seemed like a great opportunity to demonstrate to teens that the library is a relevant resource for them."
Joseph and his stepbrother Edgar Reyes were joined at the August 7 event by a veteran street artist who goes by the moniker Sire One. Wearing a polo shirt and cargo shorts, he hardly fits the stereotypical image of a graffiti artist.
"Yeah, I dressed like those guys (indicating the teens) when I was younger," said Sire One. "I've been doing this for 17 years and have never been arrested or fined," he continued.
He was excited about the community event and the opportunity to battle the negative image of graffiti, adding, "This art form is a lot more than just tagging."
Sire One is an advocate of a permanent public graffiti wall in town.
"Places like that give kids the ability to explore their art form, to go and practice on a regular basis," said the artist. "Get a sketch book into their hands and let them really express themselves."
Many adults at the library event agreed with Sire One's viewpoint.
Crystal Lindsey, who lives across Grove Street from the library, brought her grandkids Jordyn and Colson Patton to the event. The youngsters, both of whom attend Grove Elementary, were busy drawing on the sidewalks with chalk.
"I think this is great," said Lindsey. "And a permanent wall would give kids space to do their art instead of on buildings. It would let them express their creativity in a positive way."
Her husband David agreed. "It's a freedom of speech issue. If a business or property owner wants to display graffiti, they shouldn't have to get rid of it. It's a First Amendment right."
Marysville city law requires businesses to remove any graffiti within 48 hours or face a fine. Increasing reports of graffiti and vandalism led the city to form a Graffiti Task Force in 2007. Thanks to the task force's work and an online reporting tool, problems with vandalism have dropped within the city.
Kollin Wasserlein moved with his family to Marysville from Belgium only two weeks ago. "I've seen street art all over Europe," he said as he began to sketch a design with orange spray paint. "I think it's cool that the library is sponsoring this."
For Joseph Nagy, it's all about the art.
"I don't tag neighborhood homes or fences, or public property," said the writer. "That shows disrespect and I don't agree with that. But I love this stuff. It's a getaway for me."
The event was the brainchild of Joseph Nagy, a student at Marysville Mountain View High School, and sponsored by the library as part of its Express Yourself teen program.
It all started with a visit to the school by Marysville City Councilmember Carmen Rasmussen.
"She came to my senior civics class to talk about city government, so I asked her about some of the laws," said Joseph. "I didn't agree with the graffiti laws, and told her why. She suggested that I put together a show so people could see that this was art, too."
Rasmussen put the student in touch with Laura Tate, the teen program's librarian, who thought a graffiti art show would fit perfectly with the library's summer program.
"We're all about protecting freedom of speech and creative expression," Tate said. "This seemed like a great opportunity to demonstrate to teens that the library is a relevant resource for them."
Joseph and his stepbrother Edgar Reyes were joined at the August 7 event by a veteran street artist who goes by the moniker Sire One. Wearing a polo shirt and cargo shorts, he hardly fits the stereotypical image of a graffiti artist.
"Yeah, I dressed like those guys (indicating the teens) when I was younger," said Sire One. "I've been doing this for 17 years and have never been arrested or fined," he continued.
He was excited about the community event and the opportunity to battle the negative image of graffiti, adding, "This art form is a lot more than just tagging."
Sire One is an advocate of a permanent public graffiti wall in town.
"Places like that give kids the ability to explore their art form, to go and practice on a regular basis," said the artist. "Get a sketch book into their hands and let them really express themselves."
Many adults at the library event agreed with Sire One's viewpoint.
Crystal Lindsey, who lives across Grove Street from the library, brought her grandkids Jordyn and Colson Patton to the event. The youngsters, both of whom attend Grove Elementary, were busy drawing on the sidewalks with chalk.
"I think this is great," said Lindsey. "And a permanent wall would give kids space to do their art instead of on buildings. It would let them express their creativity in a positive way."
Her husband David agreed. "It's a freedom of speech issue. If a business or property owner wants to display graffiti, they shouldn't have to get rid of it. It's a First Amendment right."
Marysville city law requires businesses to remove any graffiti within 48 hours or face a fine. Increasing reports of graffiti and vandalism led the city to form a Graffiti Task Force in 2007. Thanks to the task force's work and an online reporting tool, problems with vandalism have dropped within the city.
Kollin Wasserlein moved with his family to Marysville from Belgium only two weeks ago. "I've seen street art all over Europe," he said as he began to sketch a design with orange spray paint. "I think it's cool that the library is sponsoring this."
For Joseph Nagy, it's all about the art.
"I don't tag neighborhood homes or fences, or public property," said the writer. "That shows disrespect and I don't agree with that. But I love this stuff. It's a getaway for me."
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