From Street Graffiti to

Contemporary Art

Making a Living as a

Graffiti Artist

Danielle Salomon

GOALS

• To introduce the idea that earning a living as an artist is a potential option

• Present a POV of graffiti that acknowledges the cultural, artistic and creative aspects of it

PART 1

• A presentation that profiles graffiti artists who transitioned to become successful contemporary artists, either in the commercial or fine art world

PART 2 (optional)

• An airbrush art demonstration and workshop led by an artist

Jean-Michel Basquiat (SAMO)

• Graffiti writer in NY who became famous in the 1980’s

• Died in 1988 of a drug overdose

• In 2007, a record $14.6 million was paid for one of his works

Chaz Bojórquez

• Former L.A. graffiti writer who went to art school and developed his own style of art

• Art combines “Cholostyle” gang graffiti and Asian calligraphy

• Has pieces housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Steve Powers (ESPO)

• New York City artist who became famous for blurring the lines between legal and illegal art

• Published the magazine On the Go in the 1990’s

• Currently a gallery artist with works listed for sale at $10,000

KAWS

• Former graffiti artist who has worked in animation for Disney

• Currently designs his own line of limited edition vinyl toys

• Produces fine art as well as commercial art

• Fine art currently sells for $10,000 to $80,000 per piece

Materials

• YALSA 2010 Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

• Donate a copy to every teen who attends the program

“…It will help street artists successfully create and develop their individual styles. The book explores all of the materials, tools, and techniques that the most famous street artists use as well as showcasing outstanding and innovative work from around the world. Expert artists share their tips for reaching the ultimate twin goals of getting work seen and sold. “ – Amazon.com

Publicity

• Flyers in the detention facility

• E-mails to all the officers and administrative staff, inviting them to attend the program and asking them to spread the word about it

• Ask other volunteers at the facility to spread the word

• The day before the event, visit each unit personally and provide them with a preview of what the event will be about

Budget

SCENARIO 1 – Presentation and WorkshopBooks and DVDs (if not already available to the library): $500Artist fee (one artist) $350Art materials for 50 people ($15/person) $750Flyers and Surveys $100

TOTAL $1,700

SCENARIO 2 – Presentation OnlyBooks and DVDs (if not already available to the library): $500Flyers and Surveys $100

TOTAL $600

Measurement

Difficulties in Measuring Success:

• Is attendance optional or required?

• Limitations on loaning materials

• Workshop portion may not be feasible in some facilities

Measurement

• Over 30% of the facility’s eligible population attends the program (if there is a choice to attend the program at the facility)

• Over 30% of the materials offered are checked out

• High interest level and active participation in the activity are observed

Benchmarks are estimates and will need to be re-evaluated after a trial of the program

Future Programs

• Future programs could include a workshop on inner-city art scholarships and how to apply for them