San Antonio Artist Advocates for Sidewalk Chalk Art Decriminalization

News Summary

San Antonio artist Joshua ‘Lakey’ Hinson is on a mission to decriminalize the use of sidewalk chalk for artistic expression following his arrest for creating art in Leon Valley. His colorful chalk creations, which celebrate community and uplift spirits, sparked a petition for change after Hinson faced legal challenges and alleged harassment post-settlement. Amid discussions about policing and community expression, Hinson’s efforts aim to protect sidewalk art, reflecting a broader conversation about creativity in public spaces.

San Antonio Artist Takes Aim at Sidewalk Chalk Laws After Unjust Arrest

San Antonio has recently found itself at the center of a colorful yet controversial debate about sidewalk art. Local artist Joshua “Lakey” Hinson has launched a petition calling for the decriminalization of using washable sidewalk chalk to create art. This movement follows a troubling incident where he was arrested for simply expressing his creativity on the streets of Leon Valley.

A Rainbow of Messages for Pride Month

On June 15, 2023, Hinson took his artistry to Gorrell Memorial Park, where he created a vibrant piece of chalk art celebrating Pride Month. His work often features uplifting quotes like “Overlapping friend circles bring a community to blossom” and “Create beauty knowing it will be washed away,” encouraging positivity among those who come across his creations.

An Unfortunate Arrest

Hinson’s passion for sidewalk chalk art has led to an unfortunate brush with the law. In May 2023, he was arrested while drawing public art on a sidewalk in Leon Valley, using nothing but washable chalk, of course. Following this incident, he received a substantial settlement of $16,500 and an apology from the city manager. But rather than a sense of closure, his troubles seemed to escalate, as Hinson claims that the San Antonio police began to harass him following the settlement.

Legal Troubles Mount

The artist’s confrontation with the law didn’t end there. Earlier this year, Hinson found himself briefly detained at a bus stop by a VIA Metropolitan Transit officer due to his use of chalk. This incident resulted in a citation and a year-long ban from that bus stop. Things got even more complicated when he was arrested near Centro Plaza downtown on a charge of criminal trespass, which was later dismissed.

Seeking Change Through Petition

Now, Hinson has taken to Change.org to rally support, seeking to change the city’s approach to sidewalk art. His petition requests the city to stop arrests and citations related to sidewalk art and seeks to clarify that the use of children’s sidewalk chalk and temporary street art should not be viewed as criminal offenses. He argues that the city’s current graffiti ordinance includes washable chalk art, which seems contradictory given that San Antonio has been hosting an annual street chalk festival for over 20 years.

A Broader Conversation on Artistic Expression

Hinson believes that the treatment he has faced reflects larger issues regarding policing and vulnerable communities. He is calling for the city to clarify protections for artistic expression in public spaces, along with training law enforcement to distinguish between vandalism and the more transient nature of temporary art. His petition has already gathered over 320 signatures since it launched on December 7, 2022, and it’s gaining traction as people rally behind the cause.

The Impact of Sidewalk Chalk on Community Spirit

Hinson also emphasizes the positive role sidewalk chalk played during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic, where it became a medium for spreading joy and advocating for social movements. Street art can lift spirits, foster connection, and even spark conversations—benefits that Hinson feels are worth protecting.

City Councilman’s Efforts

City Councilman Jalen McKee Rodriguez has attempted to amend the graffiti ordinance to exempt chalk art, but he has faced challenges in garnering the needed support from his fellow council members. The lack of timely responses from the city regarding sidewalk art laws further complicates the situation.

As the debate unfolds, it’s clear that the future of sidewalk chalk art in San Antonio is at a crossroads. Hinson’s campaign serves as a reminder of the importance of artistic expression and the need for laws that support creativity in public spaces.