Charles “Kelly” Creso, director at the Sixth Avenue Art Gallery, posted a message on the Tacoma  Arts listserve a week ago asking if the graffiti on the side of his building was art.  The results are in. â€" Suzy Stump

From Tacoma Arts listserv: After receiving input from approximately 80 emails, the consensus was clear. The existing “Graffiti As Art” was marginal at best.
A great many of you suggested that I contact a local arts group known as the FAB-5 and give them an opportunity to express their creativity - their ability to produce something of superior artistic merit.
I have take that advice.
It is my understanding that this group in not gang related and that they will produce a “Graffiti As Art” mural suitable for all ages. Work on the project begins today and will extend over the next week or so.
They have provided this statement:
Fab-5 is an initiative of the Northwest Leadership Foundation with a
mission to enhance the leadership and academic skills of the youth and
young adults in Pierce County, as well as, broaden Hip-Hop as a
positive medium of expression.  Fab-5 provides youth in Tacoma and
Pierce County with safe, drug and alcohol free events and education
programs.
I have met with two of the artists involved and was impressed by their backgrounds. One  received “ARTIST OF THE YEAR” recognition at Bellarmine (more than once) when he attended that fine school.
The Group Fab-5 and many of the artists affiliated with that group have their roots deeply embedded into the soul of Tacoma. They are artists that truly care about their craft and would like it to be recognized in a context other than vandalism.
You are invited to watch their work in progress at 2610-B Sixth Avenue, Tacoma.
I have no word yet as to whether they intend to dedicate this replacement work to the Tacoma City Council (the former was so dedicated). Inquiries for further background information should be sent to the group’s spokesperson, Eddie Sumlin at  www.fab-5.org, or write Eddie Sumlin.

Sincerely,

Charles “Kelly” Creso
Director, Sixth Avenue Art Gallery
2610-B  Sixth Avenue, Tacoma