Graffiti Artists Learn To "Paint Straight"
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Brooklyn's Family Court building isn't usually known for its art -- but artwork now on display in the probation offices is changing that.
A group of teens on probation for graffiti offenses are showcasing their considerable artistic abilities in the legal forum.
They are part of "Paint Straight," an initiative that provides youth with a productive outlet for their talents and teaches them more about art.
"People been writing on walls since cave times, Neanderthals wrote on walls so it comes natural to humans to write on things. But like its different, illegally and legally. You can still get the same rush doing it legally and you actually can get compliments not people saying look at this garbage. We can actually learn how to do it and get better -- legally. And that's the thing I like about it," said graffiti artist Tionna McCowen.
"Paint Straight" is a joint venture between the NYC Department of Probation and Rafael “Tatu” Perez and Tynneal “Tyrox" Grant of Xmental University.
The young artists will remain with the Xmental Program as mentors to the next cycle of young people on probation.