Photo Story: Alleyway Art
How street art in Bellingham, Wash. fosters a sense of community in otherwise unwelcoming spaces
Photo story by Kiora Surratt
Mural art is commonly regarded by cities as a tool for promoting placemaking and artistic expression. It can even be used for economic development. But graffiti is illegal in Washington State. It’s widely considered a crime of malicious mischief and is viewed by many community members and authorities as vandalism that devalues neighborhoods. The city of Bellingham allots $30,000 yearly to the Bellingham Downtown Partnership for graffiti removal and prevention as part of the Graffiti Abatement Program, a program that was initiated in June 2022 and that has now been extended through 2024. While there can certainly be instances of obscene, inappropriate, and even dangerous graffiti, many cases are harmless expressions of culture and artistic freedom. Graffiti, when deployed respectfully, can coincide with commissioned art to create a shared, worthwhile space of cultural representation.
Bellingham is known for and even markets itself on its vibrant arts and music scene, which is why I believe that graffiti in Bellingham is a valid representation and reflection of our community. I took a stroll through the alleyways of downtown Bellingham, documenting the murals and graffiti that fill the otherwise bare and bleak backsides of so many buildings. In areas where murals and art are welcome to fill blank space, graffiti should be welcome, too. When graffiti is not obscene or covering traffic signs or the fronts of businesses, it doesn’t devalue neighborhoods but rather adds value by enhancing representation, empowerment, and community.
Photo captions
“We Love B’Ham”— This bright, heart-themed mural, located in the alley connecting East Chestnut Street and Railroad Avenue in downtown Bellingham, is covered with initials from visitors and serves as an interactive canvas for community expression. // Photo by Kiora Surratt on March 13, 2024
“Smiley Guard”— This cheerful piece of wood guards a locked gate off Railroad Avenue, just a few yards away from the “We love B’Ham'' mural. Despite his small size and potential to go unnoticed, Smiley Guard has the power to brighten the day of anyone who stumbles upon him. // Photo by Kiora Surratt on March 13, 2024
“Mixed Emotions”— Two smiley faces guide visitors through the alley behind Bank of America in downtown Bellingham. The scribbled-over faces are framed by what appear to be illustrations of cats and dogs. // Photo by Kiora Surratt on March 13, 2024
“Geometric Gateway”— 3D geometrical shapes surround this door in the alley between JJ’s In and Out and Horseshoe Cafe. The colorful design brings a sense of otherworldly wonder to the tucked-away space. // Photo by Kiora Surratt on March 13, 2024
“Dumpsters and Barbed Wire”— Graffiti adds a splash of color to the brick wall lining an alley staircase behind AB Crepes and Tacos El Mexicano. Amid dumpsters and barbed wire, the tag stands out as a subtle display of creativity, breathing life into the bleak urban landscape. // Photo by Kiora Surratt on March 13, 2024
“Illegal Tags”— Graffiti tags mark the bare metal of vents in the alley behind Mallard Ice Cream. While these small tags add a pop of color to the building, their illegal nature often sparks controversy among community members and local authorities. // Photo by Kiora Surratt on March 13, 2024
“Cheeky”— This graffiti-plastered door is tucked away in the alley between East Chestnut Street and East Holly Street in Bellingham, Wash. Although street art can be bright and intriguing, it's important to acknowledge that some pieces may contain content that some find inappropriate or obscene. // Photo by Kiora Surratt on March 13, 2024
“Premium E-Liquid”— The exterior of smoke shop Sugar on Magnolia, located on East Magnolia Street, is a bold canvas of vibrant colors and personality. To the left of the shop, you can get a glimpse of the mural-filled back alley, inviting passersby to discover several hidden gems of the city’s street art. // Photo by Kiora Surratt on March 13, 2024
“Urban Tapestry”— Eclectic murals fill the alley-facing exterior of the Sugar on Magnolia and Red Rum building on East Magnolia Street. Familiar icons like the Seahawks logo and the Day of the Dead skull are mixed with graffiti to create a vibrant reflection of local culture. // Photo by Kiora Surratt on March 13, 2024
“Bellingham”— A closer look at the murals lining the alley by East Magnolia Street. Can you find the word “Bellingham”? // Photo by Kiora Surratt on March 13, 2024
“Vacancy”— This blank building in the alley between West Magnolia Street and West Holly Street has been recently repainted. Downtown Bellingham Partnership receives $30,000 annually from the City of Bellingham to remove graffiti. // Photo by Kiora Surratt on March 13, 2024