Artists take their work to the street

SANDPOINT — Almost anything can be used as a force for positivity, and graffiti is no exception.

Within a few weeks, that should be apparent in a downtown alley located  between Cedar and Main streets. A project supported by the city’s Arts Commission, several hundred feet of old brick walls will be transformed by bright colors and intricate spray painting. Overseen by 20-year-old artist Evyne Turner, the collaborators hope the artwork will convey the message that there’s a place for everyone in Sandpoint.

“This project is all about turning negative perceptions into positive ones,” Turner said.

The project started out with Sandpoint Art Commission’s efforts to introduce different styles of artwork into public locations. Throughout these discussions, commission member Carol Deaner became acquainted with Turner and his urban-influenced style of artwork, which incorporates a free style and plentiful color using materials like spray paint. Given his affinity for urban artwork and his ability to connect with young artists interested in the style, Deaner hoped the project would serve as a means to bring new minds into the sphere on public art.

“She asked me to renovate the area and bring in some light and color,” Turner said.

Located near the downtown core,  the alley currently looks fairly with its old, rundown brick walls. There’s really no reason for individuals to visit the area as it exists right now, unless they’re involved with the businesses inside or seeking a shortcut to the attractions across the street. They’ll probably have a

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reason soon enough, however, after the project turns the area into a region dedicated to public art.

According to Turner, he wants to retain the aesthetic of that old brick wall. However, his artwork will contrast against the image of the existing brick wall. Turner plans to paint large fields of the walls with conventional paint, providing a base for his spray paint designs.

“I really want to keep to the original feel of the alley with this project,” Turner said.

Work will likely begin on the alley within the next week and a half. While the project is fairly massive in scale, involving hundreds of wall feet, Turner will have a little help in the work. Sandpoint High School student Alex Jones, 17, will help with the effort.

For Turner, the project is emblematic of his journey over the past five-and-a-half years. As a teenager living in Olympia, Wash., he felt unfocused and frequently got himself into trouble. He turned to artwork as an outlet for the energies that caused him to act out. After moving to Sandpoint several months ago and joining the Pend Oreille Arts Council, he set about establishing himself as a local artist. His participation in this public art project represents just how far he’s come.

“In a lot of ways, this is turning all the negative things that have happened to me into positive things,” he said.