Graffiti-A work of art or vandalism?

A recent trip to Bell Mountain in Hiawassee, Georgia sparked the question about graffiti.  Mr. Adventure and I first hiked up Bell Mountain back in the 90’s for the wonderful view of Lake Chatuge and Hiawassee.  At that time the road wasn’t paved and required a four-wheel drive to get halfway up the mountain and then a steep hike to the top.  The view was as spectacular then as it is now.  In 1963 the Hiawassee Stone Company mined the tip-top of the mountain for quartzite and silica.  The mining lasted for just one year but left a huge gaping hole in the mountaintop which can be seen for miles.  Upon the death of Hal Herrin in 2009, the land was donated to Towns County and it is now called Bell Mountain Park and Historical Site

Merriam Webster defines graffiti as writing or drawing on a public structure without permission. The spray paint artists who provided the writings on the top of Bell Mountain most certainly did not have permission.  

Some digging into the history of graffiti lead me down another path.  Scribblings, scratches or paintings on walls and other surfaces date back to ancient times.  These markings certainly give a glimpse into the past and provide valuable insight. Graffiti came to be associated with gangs in the 20th century.  Gangs often use graffiti to mark territory or memorialize the dead.  Perhaps these markings serve as a warning to tread lightly or avoid certain areas.  Some view this type of graffiti as urban art.  

I find it interesting that one goal of The Federal Art Project which operated from 1935 until 1943 funded by the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935 was to employ artists to create  graffiti type art for non-federal buildings and municipal spaces.  Although the primary goal was to employ artists who were out of work, the project helped to cultivate  a sense of community and shared American values.  Learn more about the Federal Art Project here.  See a map of the locations near you here.  I found that there is a bas-relief made for the Winder Post Office by Marion Sanford in 1939 entitled “Weighing Cotton”.  It is now located in the Exhibit Room of the Barrow County Museum.  I might just be meandering over there soon!

Hoping you enjoyed our little jaunt up Bell Mountain and my meandering through graffiti!

Joy