Gothamist has many thoughts about the arrest of graffiti artist James De La Vega, or De La Vega (in chalk) as many know him. On one hand, his neighborhood loves his murals and doesn't consider them blights, which is contrary to what the Bronx District Attorney thinks. However, he was doing something illegal, and, besides, all great graf artists get arrested at least once, so he should take it like a man. And he was doing something illegal. But would 30 days in jail really set an example for other graffiti artists? Especially when the Central Park Conservancy is auctioning a bench by De La Vega. Tomorrow, there will be a protest for him at his gallery at 1651 Lexington Avenue (E. 104th Street) - we'd like to see some of the swells on the Central Park Conservancy's board there. More works by De La Vega and a Harlem Live piece about him.
Related: The Times on whether graffiti on a hat is art.
