Experience the Urban Hip Hop Culture Through Unique Art Event

Community members are invited to join Phoenix College students, faculty and staff to experience the urban hip hop culture of Phoenix at the Graffiti Up event. Live graffiti battles, break dance battles and music will be showcased at the free event, which will take place at Phoenix College, 1202 W. Thomas Rd. on Friday, March 5, 2010 from 1-8 p.m.

The event will launch with the graffiti battle starting at 1 p.m. as local graffiti artists Brandon Cruz, Gabriel Alvarado and Joseph Perez spray paint 8’ x 9’ graffiti murals on the mobile walls of the Eric Fischl Gallery at Phoenix College. PC alumnus Gabriel Zamora will also exhibit recent artwork in the side gallery.

During a juried competition in February, Graffiti Up co-curators Phoenix College Art Instructor Tim Hernandez and Phoenix College Alumnus and Vangaurd Scholarship Recipient Francisco Garcia selected the artists to participate at the event.

“Graffiti art has been an art form for thousands of years, dating back to ancient hieroglyphics. For the past 20 years, we’ve seen the rise of graffiti art,” said Hernandez. “However, this art form is still underrepresented in art galleries in Phoenix, and this event is a way to reach and recognize graffiti as a common language among many artists in the Valley.”

The graffiti battle will end at 6 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to judge the murals, and the winner will be announced.

The event will also include one-on-one and two-on-two break dance battles to live music by a local DJ. Break dance winners will be selected by three judges and attendees’ majority vote. Artists and dancers will receive a $100 cash award for being selected to participate in the event.

Completed murals will be on display in the Phoenix College Eric Fischl Gallery for the month of March, along with three other art pieces from participating artists. Garcia will also exhibit his graffiti artwork in the gallery. Regular gallery hours are Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

For more information about the Graffiti Up event at Phoenix College, contact Hernandez at (602) 285-7283.