Countywide : Art Experts to Offer Graffiti’s Good Points

Graffiti, long the enemy of people trying to improve urban areas, might actually be a key to revitalizing cities, according to two art experts set to take part in a lecture today. The discussion is part of a series of forums, poetry readings and dance performances in Santa Ana and Irvine aimed at highlighting cultural diversity. The events are sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution Associates, along with the Bowers Museum and the City of Irvine Intercultural Advisory Committee.

Andrew Connors, with the National Museum of American Art, and Los Angeles artist Charles Bojorquez will give a lecture titled “Art and Annoyance: Graffiti and Rap Improving Our Cities” at the Bowers Museum at 1 p.m. today. Tickets are $5.

Connors and Bojorquez will discuss how graffiti can “serve as an agent for change in street and gang culture,” according to a news release. The presentation will include a slide show that highlights different types of graffiti.

Connors will also discuss Latino arts and crafts, such as “lowrider” cars. This lecture begins today at 3 p.m. at the Bowers Museum, with admission of $5.

Other weekend events include:

* A performance of regional Mexican dances at the Bowers Museum today at 7 p.m. Admission is $7.

* A poetry reading by Russell Leong of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Irvine Civic Center. Admission is $5.

* A reading of folk tales from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Irvine Civic Center. Admission is $5.

For more information, call Bowers Museum at (714) 567-3695.