Mention the word graffiti and what usually comes to mind is something unpleasant and distasteful, like indecent language scrawled on the wall of a shop or crude images. Most graffiti is characterized as vandalism to property that does not belong to the perpetrator. Graffiti also displays negative graphics that promote certain types of vulgar messages such as violence, sex, drugs, gangs and racism. On the other hand, when the terms "street" and "art" come together, an explosion of colorful creations on blank slates in the street comes to mind. Although street art is technically considered graffiti, it is a type of graffiti with positive qualities, but some figures in society find street art to be disruptive in some way. If used correctly, street art can be enjoyed artistically and socially. Despite the negative stigma attached to graffiti, street art has become a valuable progressive art form whose extensive history, rise in popularity, and call for social change warrant its classification as fine art. Those who argue that street art is nothing more than graffiti that infringes on personal property are not characterizing it as a valuable art form. These critics argue that some places can't afford to keep property clean; if things get really bad, the whole building will have to be repainted, and that's expensive (O'Lear). Unwanted artwork will cause economic problems by removing it from illegally used canvases such as buildings, billboards and sidewalks. Critics also argue that there are many outlets people could use that are more tasteful and less destructive. (O’Lear). Turkey Stremmel, co-owner of Stremmel Gallery, suggests there are other ways to create the murals that artists plaster on street surfaces. Artis...... middle of paper ......sh." The Nevada Sagebrush [Reno, Nevada] April 4, 2011. The Nevada Sagebrush - The student newspaper of the University of Nevada, Reno. University of Nevada , April 4, 2011. Web. December 5, 2011. “In Search of the Roots of Modern Street Art and Graffiti” In Search of the Roots of Modern Street Art and Graffiti | April 2009. Web. December 5, 2011. .Wildman, Luke "Why Banksy Canvas Art Is So Popular Entertainment Articles - EzineMark - Free Content Article Directory Dec 05.".. 2011. .