Alcatraz East Crime Museum Invites Graffiti Artists to Compete

It’s considered to be a crime and it has been said that graffiti is everyone’s problem. It’s an eyesore that typically brings property values down and costs a lot to clean up. In fact, it’s estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency that the national cost associated with graffiti across the country is at least $8 billion per year.

To combat this costly problem, many cities have introduced organized graffiti art areas and in some instances commissioned graffiti murals to “problem” vandal areas. In Knoxville, Tenn., there is a graffiti walking tour of murals that give an insight into the city’s rich history.

In an effort to raise awareness, Alcatraz East Crime Museum will be hosting their 1st Annual Graffiti Art Contest, and they are inviting artists to participate.

“Graffiti is a serious issue that cities around the country deal with on a daily basis,” states Janine Vaccarello, chief operating officer for Alcatraz East. “We want people to understand how costly vandalism is and raise awareness on programs that provide a solution.”

The graffiti contest will be held at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, located at 2757 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, on Saturday, June 2, 2018. The winning artists will have their work on display in the museum, helping to teach patrons about the topic.

Those artists who would like to participate must submit their samples to pre-qualify for the event date. Winners of the graffiti contest win bragging rights, will have their work displayed in the museum, and will win a cash prize. The prizes are $750 for first place, $350 for second place, and $200 for third place. Artists must be at least 18 and their artwork must be a crime-related subject. The contest is only open to individuals, not teams. Artists can pre-qualify online at: https://www.alcatrazeast.com/graffiti-contest/.

“We are excited about this event and look forward to showcasing the winning artwork,” added Vaccarello. “Our exhibit will create conversations about graffiti, which is something that is found from coast to coast. If our exhibit influences any young minds which prevents future vandalism – then we have done our job!”

The museum also recently added new exhibits and artifacts, with there being something for everyone. Their new interactive exhibits give people the ability to test their pirate skills at tying knots, gives people the ability to share their own 9/11 experiences, and gives them the chance to offer a thank you message to law enforcement departments around the nation. One of the most popular items on display at the museum is the O.J. Simpson white Bronco from the infamous police chase that unfolded on television before millions of viewers.

The museum continues to add to their collection monthly and has a star-studded panel of experts who make up the Advisory Board, including those in law enforcement, collectors, a medical examiner, crime scene investigators, and others. The board includes Jim Willett, a retired prison warden, Anthony Rivera, a combat veteran and Navy SEAL chief, and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who is best known for the Casey Anthony trial.