San Francisco - September 11, 2009

Tag, You're It

First Amendment Gallery's Street Art Classes

Engaging in (fun) illicit behavior often means paying the (not-so-fun) consequences. (Although, until recently, Dolores Park was a free-for-all.)

So much for being an underground graffiti artist.

Still, closeted delinquents can fulfill their artistic-slash-rebellious urges with classes at First Amendment (1:AM for short), a gallery dedicated to street and urban art.

Guru Nate 1 (who’s been on the graffiti scene here for more than 20 years) teaches both the history of street art and how to create letters in The Art of Graffiti. Noted Mission muralist Twick’s students actually paint a wall on Sixth Street — like a class’s recent bovine-inspired “Swine Flew” creation — as part of his Letter Style & Mural Production course.

Stenciling and toy modification classes (which involve customizing a blank Kidrobot munny) round out the roster.

In case you want to play it, not spray it.

Classes held at First Amendment Gallery, 1000 Howard Street, at Sixth Street (415-861-5089 or 1amsf.com).