Drawing and Writing on the Wall – Subversive Act or Community Strength?
Before you explore this post, you have to promise yourself to read all the way to the end. Join me on a little journey.
The art of mural making has been with us since cave dwellers carved visual stories on walls. People have a long history of using public space to share their stories. Here’s an example: 
Artists and regular people tell stories about themselves, their community and their own experience. John Abrams’ recent work at the Cameron House is both eye-catching and thought-provoking:
Are you still reading? Have the images grabbed your attention? What's your reaction to this art?
Writing and drawing on walls is kind of subversive, right? Right? Hmmm… Political, artistic, and legal issues around graffiti as art or vandalism are hot topics right now in Toronto. The City of Toronto even has a “Graffiti Management Plan” http://www.toronto.ca/graffiti. A City program called StART (Street Art Toronto) has emerged out of that plan. This program supports street art and increases awareness of the beauty and character that street art brings to neighbourhoods.
Telling and listening to stories in a public space makes people more aware of their surroundings and their neighbours. It builds relationships and breaks down barriers. Scarborough’s own Mural Routes www.muralroutes.com works with residents to create beauty and art in otherwise dreary places. And a lot of stories get shared. Here’s a sample of what they've been doing since 2010. http://www.thestar.com/yourcitymycity/article/859554–a-toronto-bridge-becomes-a-symbol-of-hope
In 2011 Kennedy/Eglinton Branch partnered with Mural Routes for an 8 week program called “Leadership in Mural Making”. Young artists met weekly at the branch with Mural Routes staff and community artists to hone their skills and learn about the “business” of being a serious artist. The branch hosted an exhibition of their work at the end of the session.
This was the first public exhibition of work for many of the youth 
Here are some wonderful pieces that emerged from this program. The artists produced work large: 
and small
What makes graffiti different from a mural? What makes a mural so cool? What kind of planning goes into a mural and just how does it all come together on a public space? Find out at Kennedy/Eglinton this spring as we partner up again with Mural Routes to offer an 8 week program called “Introduction to Mural Arts".
We’re hosting a Mural Routes Open House on Thursday March 22 at 6:30. You’re invited. Yes. You. Meet up with our Mural Routes friends. Find out more about the program. The program begins on Saturday April 14 at Kennedy/Eglinton branch. It is open to people 14 to 99; and open to all skill levels. For more information contact Marie Belanger mbelanger@torontopubliclibrary.ca (416-396-8924) or Jen Fabico jen@muralroutes.com (416-698-7995). Jen will answer you on Twitter if you tweet @MuralRoutes. Explore the creation of art in a public space. Expand, explore and make your statement!
One thought on “Drawing and Writing on the Wall – Subversive Act or Community Strength?”
May 2104…
And the mural training programs are still going strong. We have now worked in 5 different branch libraries and are currently. I love the TPL. The staff are amazing to work with. Many artists, young and old, have benefited through these partnerships.
Karin, Executive & Artistic Director
Mural Routes