Once just an arrestable offense, graffiti has become an accepted art form.
Because of the CRE8nSK8 (Create and Skate) Project of the Norman Public Arts Board, the Blake Baldwin Skate Park in Norman will be turned into a spray-paint mural. On Sunday, artists and volunteers will cover its outside walls and skate ramps, located at the northeast corner of Andrews Park, 201 W. Daws. Sign-in begins at 9:30 a.m., and painting sprays from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
CRE8nSK8 artists include Mark Vass, Dylan Bradway, Dusty Gilpin and Todd Renshaw.
“They end up repainting it every year just for normal upkeep, and so this year, (project manager) Andy Jacobs thought, ‘Let’s actually work with some artists and get the graffiti as they’re repainting,’” said Josh Lunsford, associate director of Norman Arts Council. “So we can repaint the skate park, but then we can actually work with some artists and get a community effort.”
Paint will be provided and stencils will be available to volunteers unsure of their graffiti abilities. Those who wish to paint freehand will not be allowed to paint anything vulgar, political or religious. A disc jockey will provide music for participants to paint to, and all are welcome to join in.
“If all of the graffiti is there and it looks good and it is supported by the community, then hopefully, it’s not an eyesore later,” Lunsford said.
For more information, call 360-1162 or visit ci.norman.ok.us.
—Carmen Forman
