Eclectic Melders

"Vulcan Mind Meld" originally uploaded by Tai High.

Dick Case melded with us yesterday on the graffiti art discussion by telling the story of artist Juan Cruz and his West-side murals that come together with the help of children, teachers and funders. Cruz's current restoration project was privately commissioned by a local businessman and investor.

This photo journal of a local artist's mural painting project on Syracuse's East-side is also notable. It depicts the abolitionist Reverend Jermain Loguen, and is located a few blocks from the site of the home he lived in. The mural is painted on the side of the building that houses Richmark Carpet and Linoleum, a locally owned business.

The original Loguen home, located where a Rite Aid chain store now stands, has been called one of the most important sites on the Underground Railroad because of Loguen's impact. The artist, London Ladd, involved youth and other adults in completing his project.

These murals are distinguished from works of graffiti art that are not commissioned, and exist on public or privately owned structures without permission of the owners.