In 2006, the city of Louisville set up a wall where graffiti artists were allowed to paint. But when the art started offending neighbors and officials, the wall was shut down. This article wonders if there's room for more public art in Louisville.
"Two years ago, graphic designer Jeral Tidwell was elated with the city's decision to establish a wall where graffiti art could be practiced legally. After traveling across Europe - where legal walls are widespread - he was a voluble cheerleader who helped convince the Mayor's Committee on Public Art that if Louisville was going to talk the talk about being a city open to new ideas, it should also walk the walk."
"Located on Market Street at the I-65 underpass between Hancock and Jackson streets, the Experimental Urban Art Project had a premium locale next to the burgeoning hub of art galleries that make up the bulk of the East Market Street arts district. The rules were rather simple: No racial epithets. No curse words. Respect your fellow artists' work and leave it up for a decent amount of time."
"Eventually, the beautiful and intricate urban murals were infected with obscenities."
"The city eventually decommissioned the wall in April 2007, quietly dispatching workers to paint it a solid off-white one afternoon."
"The likelihood of the city sponsoring another legal wall is slim."
Read the full story: When I spray-paint my masterpiece - After recent false starts, is there a future for public art in Louisville?
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