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NewsChicago Sun-TimesJuly 17, 2026Illinois

Evanston establishes new legal graffiti 'permission wall'

Four former Evanston graffiti artists reunited to create a mural on Green Bay Road, marking the precursor to a new city-sanctioned 'permission wall' for local artists. The project, supported by local officials and arts organizations, aims to provide a legal space for youth to practice graffiti without fear of arrest.

public artgraffitiEvanstoncommunity developmentyouth programs
Read the full story at Chicago Sun-Times

Why It Matters

The city of Evanston is designating a specific wall on Green Bay Road between Foster and Simpson streets as a legal space for graffiti practice, changing the local policy from enforcement to sanctioned public art.

Key Facts

  • A new 'permission wall' for graffiti artists is scheduled to open later this summer in Evanston.
  • The wall is located on Green Bay Road between Foster and Simpson streets.
  • The project was organized by Lea Pinsky and Dustin Harris of Art Encounter.
  • 5th Ward Councilmember Bobby Burns provided active support for the project.
  • The initiative aims to provide a legal space for youth to practice graffiti techniques.
  • The project is intended to prevent police intervention for graffiti activity in that specific area.

Who's Mentioned

personLea Pinsky“Organizer from Art Encounter”personAlex Mendoza“Artist and sign company owner”locationEvanston“City where the project is located”personGarrett Munski“Artist and Evanston resident”personBobby Burns“5th Ward Councilmember who supported the project”personJordan Nickel“Artist known as POSE”locationGreen Bay Road“Site of the mural and future permission wall”personOle Flores“Artist and Skokie resident”personDustin Harris“Organizer from Art Encounter”