Graffiti and tagging are issues that many communities across South Dakota struggle with. Some argue it is a misunderstood form of art, others say graffiti is not just an eyesore but a crime. Residents of Eagle Butte are combating the problem.
Take a drive through just about any community in South Dakota and chances are you’ll see evidence of graffiti on things like bridges, buildings, and train cars.
Eagle Butte resident and Cheyenne River Youth Project Executive Director Julie Garreau says graffiti and tagging are an ongoing problem in her community.
Garreau says she and other concerned residents are addressing the issue by designating a space for it called the Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park where those wishing to express themselves through graffiti can still do so – legally.
“What we’ve tried to do throughout all these years is create this kind of holistic approach to youth development so the Art Park is just going to be an extension of that. It’s going to be another way for us to reach kids, another way for kids to develop, to express themselves,” says Garreau.
Garreau says Eagle Butte’s new Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park sits on three acres of land adjacent to the Youth Project and consists of large pieces of plywood – essentially blank canvases – that are attached to poles where artists of all skill levels are welcome to paint.
Rapid City artist Aaron Pearcy is painting one of the anchor pieces. He says it is important that young people have a creative outlet.
“There’s a lot of healing that art can do so I think that if we can paint and get the freedom of expression flowing in a sense through graffiti and through spray paint then the youth are more prone to that - kind of get them more involved in the arts versus going down the wrong paths – abusing and using drugs and alcohol,” says Pearcy.
The Art Park features Native American-inspired art. Pearcy says he plans on painting a traditional dancer with a colorful headdress.
Youth Project Executive Director Julie Garreau says the Art Park is just now in its beginning stages but benches and other forms of artwork could eventually be incorporated.
The Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park Dedication is being held today in Eagle Butte.
