Mount Vernon Mayor Encourages Taggers To Be 'Productive, Not Destructive'

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. - In an effort to discourage taggers from defacing custom art installations throughout the city, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas is introducing a program encouraging artists to instead be productive, not destructive.

The Wall of Legends was one of the art installations that were tagged recently, prompting Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas to announce a project for artists at the local train station.
Photo Credit: *CMVNY*

Zak Failla

02/27/2017 12:42 p.m.

Recently, residents have noticed that public art installations - including the new Wall of Legends at Memorial Field and the Heavy D mural - have been targeted by graffiti artists attempting to make their mark in Mount Vernon.

With future art installations planned at the Mount Vernon East train station, Thomas - who vowed to clean up the graffiti at the current murals - announced that he is “inviting artists of all mediums to come out, paint, spray and let their creativity shine.”

“We were all deeply frustrated and saddened to see incidents of graffiti that defaced public art installations throughout the city,” he added. “We will clean up and protect these works, because these works represented the individuals who are Mount Vernon born and raised and have brought pride to the city.”

Anyone with information regarding the graffiti can contact police confidentially at (914) 665-2500. Those interested in collaborating on the Mount Vernon East train station project can get their names on a list by emailing mayorthomas@cmyny.com or calling (914) 665-2360.

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