STILLmatic: Documenting the StreetSmARTS Urban Murals

This photographic exhibition documents the StreetSmARTS program, an innovative collaboration initiated by the San Francisco Arts Commission and the Department of Public Works to transform graffiti-stained walls into beautiful works of art. In addition to curbing graffiti vandalism, the program aims to restore San Francisco’s reputation as an international destination for mural art.

Established urban artists were paired with private property owners to produce vibrant murals that enliven the neighborhood by reclaiming regularly vandalized walls. At the same time, urban artists were placed in public schools to teach youth mural painting techniques and explain the difference between public art and illegal graffiti, which is simply, permission.

During the 2010 pilot year, sixteen murals were created throughout San Francisco including five public school sites.

Opening Reception: Thursday, July 8; 5-6:30 p.m.
Exhibition Run: July 1-31, 2010

Artists: The San Francisco Arts Commission’s 2010 photography interns Michele Kraus, Diana Sanchez, and Jessica Watson