Buffalo-based artist Vincent Alejandro talks about his push to have
street art become a more accepted form of expression in the local area. Members
of the community have been receptive to the few murals that exist, however
misunderstandings between what is street art and the traditional views of
graffiti have led to a disconnect. “As
soon as you say graffiti, it gets a negative thing in people’s mind. As far as
street art; street art was kind of an it was an attempt to bring graffiti into
the forefront with a different label,” Alejandro said. “There are so many walls
here that scream for it.” Even cities as nearby as Rochester are more accepting
of street art, providing designated areas, or “free-walls,” where artists can
go and create street art without fear of breaking the law. By Terra Harter and Ben Hauver
