An in-depth history of graffiti writing will be the topic of a free presentation tonight.
The presentation is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Salina Art Center Warehouse, 149 South Fourth Street. The discussion provides an in-depth history of graffiti writing, articulating the areas and demographics of people who created it and why.
Artist Peyton Scott Russell will explain graffiti’s 50-plus year journey and all the transformations that have created this moment, where graffiti is the most recognized contemporary art form of the world. This artist talk provides powerful insight into a misunderstood craft usually seen as mindless youth creating acts of vandalism.
Born in Minneapolis, Minn., Russell’s earliest memories as a child were making art and being creative. This continued into high school where he discovered graffiti art from the film Style Wars in 1984. This consumed his art interest. A portfolio of traditional art and graffiti influenced works helped earn him acceptance into the School of the Arts Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Graduating in 1991, Russell became a professional artist and teaching artist by founding organizations like House of Daskarone, Juxtaposition Arts, and Art House Education.
As a Bush Fellowship recipient, 2012-14, Russell formed SPRAYFINGER. This is a program used for teaching, Graffiti: The Art of Creative Lettering, to youth, adults, seniors, and the community at large.