A new kind of graffiti decorates Franklin Street

As the cultural and social hub of Chapel Hill, Franklin Street is certainly no stranger to graffiti.

But new environmental graffiti popping up along the 100 block of the street has left many both perplexed and uplifted.

The graffiti is planted on mulch squares along the sidewalk and is made out of green clovers that spell out the words “dance,” “play,” “laugh” and “fun.”

Teresa Flake, the district manager for Bevello clothing store at 142 E. Franklin St., said she was pleasantly surprised to discover the graffiti on her way to work last week.

“I think it looks clean and fun,” she said. “It makes me smile.”

UNC junior Brianne Sayers said the graffiti is a welcome addition to Franklin Street.

“I think it’s awesome how the graffiti decorates Chapel Hill’s busiest street with such positive ideas,” she said.

And though the graffiti seemed to sit in favor with many of those interviewed, the Chapel Hill Police Department has expressed concern that this graffiti could encourage the spread of vandalism along Franklin Street.

Sgt. Josh Mecimore, spokesman for Chapel Hill police, said that although the message behind the graffiti seems positive, it still may constitute as an act of vandalism.

“If I spray paint on someone else’s car, that’s graffiti, but that’s also vandalism,” he said. “When someone creates a message like this in a public place without the permission of the owner, it’s illegal.”

But for Flake, the graffiti hardly meets her definition of vandalism.

“When I think of vandalism, I think of something angry and disruptive — and this isn’t that,” she said. “It’s a well thought out, positive addition to our street.”