Graffiti encouraged

Days after the City of Edmonton unveiled its graffiti removal van, graffiti writers from across the country gathered in Old Strathcona to show residents that spray cans lead to more than just mischief.

Artists hauled their paint up scaffolding set up on the wall at Ink Shack, a Whyte Avenue tattoo shop, to create brightly coloured pieces that, collectively, made up the third annual Writers Block event.

"Just because we're using aerosol paint, it doesn't mean we're the ones out there (illegally)," explained Paul Coyle, a 29-year-old Edmonton artist, taking a break from painting.

Most of the artists at the event are in their mid- to late-20s and many are married with serious jobs, he added.

OUTLET FOR EXPRESSION

The graffiti problem stems from younger kids with no outlet to express themselves, explained Chris, organizer of the event who asked that his last name not be published.

"Kids are kids and they need to express themselves. They'll find a way to do it," he said.

Many writers are skeptical of whether the city's new wipeout wheels in motion - a van that will travel through Edmonton's five so-called graffiti zones, including Old Strathcona, and clean spray-paint off public property - will actually work.

But they say they understand why the city would want to get rid of unsightly tags, which are simply territorial marks, not necessarily art.

"I understand what they're doing. I just definitely think the city should put more money into walls," said Chris.

Currently, there is at least one legal graffiti wall, but it's near the Bissell Centre, which Chris says isn't safe for young people. He has tried to convince city council to find additional walls, but it's a lengthy process.

"It's difficult (as far as) getting the city to OK a spot that's designated for graffiti," he said.

But more walls could be on the way, said Coun. Tony Caterina. "We've had the proposals come through and we haven't, at this point, gone further than that, but I think there is a place," he said, going on to praise the Ink Shack for donating a wall for the event.

VANDALISM

He said while graffiti can be art, much of it is vandalism. The cleanup van will help curb "broken window syndrome" in the city, he predicted.

"If an area is left to deteriorate, it will get worse and worse," he said. "What we're finding is where (graffiti is) removed, sometimes it takes two times or three times or even five times, but it eventually makes a difference."