Graffiti on display at I.U.S.B.
Graffiti on display at I.U.S.B. Save Email Print
Posted: 6:38 PM Sep 4, 2008
Last Updated: 6:38 PM Sep 4, 2008
Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com

A | A | A

Could it be called art or an act of vandalism?

It’s a question worth asking after seeing an art exhibit on graffiti at I.U.S.B.

For the past two weeks students have been encouraged to sign their thoughts on democracy on a wall of graffiti.

It's part of a traveling exhibit started out of Bloomington called "writing on the wall."

Some may not want to see it on their walls or buildings of business marked though.

Recently a handful of businesses were tagged in Elkhart county with gang graffiti.

Business owners are now forced to clean it up.

“I think it is a form of expression at the same time we are inside of school so it’s okay but if you were to see this out on the street somewhere some people might say it is graffiti because they might not believe in Jesus or democracy or anything like that,” says I.U.S.B. student Charisse Ottbridge.

“There's not any reason and I can’t appreciate that kind of the talent.. but buildings aren't the place to do that,” says Metal Partners owner Al Eicken.

The graffiti exhibit has a wall full of markings.

This is the last day of the display.

More Stories
ATF agents raid the Warsaw home of a known white supremacist

Granger man turns hobby into business with D'Avella Family Winery

Update: Woman and children recovering after car crashes into store window

U93 kicks off annual Roofsit campaign to help prevent child abuse

Part of Cleveland Avenue closed in St. Joe

Man hospitalized after motorcycle accident

80-year-old Niles man shot, robbed at home; suspects arrested

Golfer Chris Smith and family still in shock over weekend accident

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: AKNEEONE Location: Goshen on Jan 15, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Agree With "BOO"

Posted by: BOO on Oct 29, 2008 at 12:14 PM
I think every city should take the time and just build a huge white wall somewhere around the city where the locals could display their talents and what not, it would be just like skateparks.

Posted by: Linda Location: Granger on Sep 5, 2008 at 08:50 AM
I think when you start condoning graffiti of any kind then a message is being sent that it's OK. Kids and gangs will take it as a green light and start pulling out the paint cans and show their "art" anywhere they see fit. Drawing on paper, canvases, etc is fine, but I don't think it's appropriate for walls. A big can of worms is being opened when this is called art or expression. Graffiti is graffiti.

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 5, 2008 at 07:34 AM
how dumb.

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 5, 2008 at 06:26 AM
psst.... It's IU South Bend. Ask IU South Bend which they prefer. They'll tell you... IU South Bend.

Posted by: bjk100 Location: Niles on Sep 5, 2008 at 02:56 AM
I always said it was a great way to express yourself and thought about putting note pads in restrooms so people could put their graffiti somewhere and not get into trouble. the good stuff would be displayed somewhere. Never know, might find a budding young artist that way, or a poet! would make a great book!

Posted by: Bob Location: West Side on Sep 4, 2008 at 09:54 PM
This is simple folks. It may be art but what gives someone the right to put there art on a building they do not own. Save it for the canvas unless you are given permission from the owner of the building. Debate over. Why don't we get this. Why can't the school teach respect for other peoples property along with the perception of art.

Posted by: Jake Location: south bend on Sep 4, 2008 at 06:51 PM
Gang graffiti is neither talent or art. It's vandalism.

Posted by: Jason Location: Nappanee on Sep 4, 2008 at 06:20 PM
what the . You cant show a picture of it. Did you at wndu even see it or did you just write a story.


Five Day
WNDU News Poll
There are currently no active polls at this time.
Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results.
MichianaGuide.com