George,

I have been reading this graffiti thread with interest since its inception.

I am trying to understand all points of view. Mr. Holden and Mr. Edason have both made fairly clear statements addressing the issue of free speech as it relates to graffiti and society. Mrs. Coles has used this thread as an opportunity to promote a related graffiti project.

To understand your position, Mr. Caravati, I went on to the TJCenter website and read their proposal for the Free Speech Monument. Good News! From my vantage point as an aspiring participant in either or both projects there exists no inherent opposition!

I see before me two excellent opportunities for creative output, and even better – the opportunity for artistic collaboration! These two projects stand to attract two (or more) diverse groups from the Charlottesville community, something we should all celebrate and strive towards.

Peace,

Anson Parker (electronic mail, August 8, 2002)

P.S. As a side-note: perhaps all those involved in this discussion group would like to get together for the purpose of establishing a long-term graffiti commission.

As you rightly pointed out, Mr. Caravati, there exists nothing new under the sun. There exist across the world city organizations (notably throughout Brazil where they have existed since the 1800’s) where graffiti artists are commissioned by towns to add vibrancy and character to the streets, as well as to organize these passionate workers.

This point is excruciatingly important. As an ex-mayor of this city you must surely see the passion put forth here. That, my friend, is a rare beast these days – honest, unadulterated passion of art for art’s sake. Graffiti artists, in their anonymity, want nothing more than to generate beauty as they see it, you will find nothing else quiet like it rummaging through the clickish art world. If their forces are not respected and channeled intelligently by the city government one may not safely assume that their energies will dissapate. The energies will remain, the energies will act, and one may safely assume that these actions will be inclined to show to the city as much respect as the city shows to the artists.

Let us consider – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Do we want to jail these artists or do we want them working to beautify our city – let us send the right message.