Hyannis Community Art Wall
Two years ago, my son developed an interest and graffiti and street art. The walls of my basement are a testament to this. The “clack-clack-clack” of paint cans and the smell of spray paint are a part of life in my home. But when you’re a young person exploring art, you soon tire of being restricted to mom-and-dad’s basement. He long to see his art in its intended context: public.
The problem, of course, is that graffiti and unsanctioned street art is illegal. This is where, I believe, he should be commended and recognized as an example of how to do things the right way. He decided to create, from scratch, a way to paint outside legally. He reached out for supporters and was lucky enough to find the champions at The Cordial Eye. Together, they drafted proposals, appeared before committees, faced rejection, revised and proposed again, secured donors and allies, especially the amazing and forward-thinking Antonia Stephens, director of The Hyannis Public Library, which today hosts the wall. Did everything they could to make this happen. And happen it did.
Why public art? I was lucky enough attend a great talk at JFK Library this week, put on by The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod. Dr. Audrey Lopez said, "What I love about public art is it's so accessible. You don't have to pay to go in. You can go through it, go around it, and go under it." I completely agree and will add that public art...
Reaches people who might never visit a museum or a gallery.
Is ever-changing, and as such offers a reason to revisit again and again.
Offers access to the artist. How often can you talk with an artist as they’re working?
Inspires. Today I saw at last 100 people pick up spray cans who never have before, and leave a mark.
Fosters collaboration. Two or three people working side-by-side inevitably spark up conversation and learn from each other.
Offers a sense of pride. People like to walk around a square, or common area and bask in its beauty. It feels good.
At the Arts Foundation event, Mary Annagresti issued a challenge: “...if we all agreed to work to bring some public art to this community in the next 12 months, it will be amazing." I’m elated that my own son had a part in achieving this goal.