“How to Appreciate Graffiti” explores the importance of street art |

An upcoming exhibition at Fingerprint Gallery explores the importance of street art for urban communities. A group of Emily Carr students will be showing their art and research in the week-long show, which kicks off on April 5. How to Appreciate Graffiti: The Exhibition is the culmination of a semester-long project, which was led by university Canada research chair Dr. Garnet Hertz. Hertz spearheaded the initiative in a first-of-its-kind hybrid history and art class all about graffiti, getting into the nuances of graffiti’s historical roots, why it serves as social commentary, and how it can give cities an urban identity. The exhibition will showcase a zine called How to Appreciate Graffiti, created by the students along with contributions from street artists such as Dedos, Zense, Gurl 23, Grow Up, and Phantom.  The exhibition’s opening night will kick things off, with a zine launch and curator’s talk on April 6 at noon, and a show honouring guest artist Smokey Devil, known as Vancouver’s favourite graffiti artist, that day at 6pm. How to Appreciate Graffiti: The Exhibition When: April 5 to 12, 11am to 6pm daily Where: Fingerprint Gallery (663 Market Hill, Vancouver) Tickets: Free