City Issuing Aerosol Art Permits

Artists will begin painting the Huntington Beach seawall next month under the city’s new program legalizing the wall’s use as an outdoor art space.

Community Service Officials are now issuing free permits to aerosol artists and others who paint with brushes, rather than spray cans. The new program, approved last month, allows painting during daylight hours, seven days a week, by permit holders. Under recently established ordinances, anyone without a permit caught painting or marking the wall will be fined $100.

Wall artworks are not meant to be permanent and artists may paint over others’ pieces, said Ron Hagan, Community Services Department director. “That’s the whole hip-hop culture,” he said, referring to the subculture chiefly related to rap music and aerosol art. “They are temporary creations.”

Permits, which are good for one year, may be obtained at Huntington Beach City Hall, Community Services Department. Information: Naida Osline, (714) 536-5458.