Graffiti Art at Kendal

Kendal residents often respond to surprises in inventive ways. We experienced a demonstration of this happy truth recently when the community suddenly proved itself the home of an imaginative swarm of graffiti artists.

Here's the background. Our construction project finally reached the dining area last month, and as a consequence a make-shift partition unexpectedly appeared in the servery, separating the Bistro from whatever sort of remodeling work was taking place, out of sight, behind it. The bleak partition was ugly and off-putting. But it was also an opportunity. So it was soon white-washed. And we all know what happens to a broad expanse of inviting and empty white space. Yes, very quickly residents, staff members, and visiting children arrived on the scene and, encouraged by a conveniently-placed quiver of diversely-colored markers, began to transform the white wall into a message board that captured the sparkling spirits of the community. The effect was vibrant.

Some artists cheered their teams on – the Buckeyes, of course, but also the Steelers, the Denison football squad, and Michigan (???).

Others penned love notes.

The physical therapy staff left advice that gives pause: "Complaining only encourages us."

Color abounded, especially in a lovely rainbow and a striking sunrise.

At one edge of the wall, half of a face glared around the corner at the spectators observing him.

Aphoristic advice was common. "Live, Laugh, Love" seems like ever-relevant counsel. "Love makes the world go round" recalls the hopeful prescription afforded us by a popular song.

And speaking of songs, one artist contributed some measures of music to the board.

The lowest reaches of the board seemed to have been the domain of children, some of whom left lovely and occasionally perplexing scrawls. And although no ladder was visible, some artists had managed to reach the highest reaches of the wall too.

Some artists displayed an impressive talent for drawing, with complicated figures and skilled use of shadowing.

Other messages reminded the viewer that Kendal is a community of persons with a long acquaintance with American life. When, for example, was the last time you saw the once-ubiquitous "Kilroy was here"?

Everyone will have a favorite entry. Mine – because it reflects a not-uncommon experience – was the simple declaration that "Kendal is full of angels."

Art has many functions. One is lifting the soul. Our graffiti art board certainly achieved that goal.