Tyler Rhode | Banner Graffiti Waterfall, part of the Hidden Lake Matthews runoff located off Skyridge Drive, is at the end of an hour-long hike that has a graffiti trail leading up to it.
Graffiti was once seen as an act of rebellion. However, these preconceived notions are fading and it is now being recognized as a form of art.
From Riverside to neighboring areas, such as downtown Redlands, people are traveling to appreciate, explore and create street art.
Located on State Street, the Downtown Redlands Art Walk is a community organized event, that happens two to three times a year, supported by local businesses.
For the past three years, the community gathers around and promotes street art. Augie’s Coffee House is one of the local businesses that supports and takes part in the Art Walk.
“Over these past few years, a distinction between street art and graffiti has been made,” said Kelly Vader, barista at Augie’s Coffee House. “Street art is well perceived.”
As more street art is created, the city is painted to reflect the creativity of the people who live in it.
“The aesthetic of the community represents the value of it,” Vader said.
Self-expression may be an important part in many towns and the Downtown Redlands Art Walk allows it to be possible.
The Graffiti Waterfall in Riverside is another place where this type of art is present. Located about 15 minutes from California Baptist University off Skyridge Drive, the hike is only about half a mile. The rocks, making up and surrounding the waterfall, are covered in graffiti. The colorful, spraypainted mural is constantly growing as locals climb steep rocks to add to it.
“The graffiti is tied in with nature,” said Daniel Laverne, freshman engineering major.
