Avella Aims to Scrub Out Graffiti with Art

State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, is attempting to fight graffiti with a more accepted medium for creative expression - a poster contest.

Avella has long been the leader behind an anti-graffiti crusade in northeast Queens, where buildings and fences regularly serve as the canvas for vandals who roam the area.

Though the poster contest, which is open to students of all grade levels, won't wipe away existing spray paint, it will help stymie the issue at its source.

“This is a way of reaching out to kids when they're younger and making them realize how damaging [graffiti] is to the community,” said Edward Fleming, a spokesman for Avella.

Winners will be selected from the elementary, middle and high school levels, with first place winners honored with $100 checks from the Bayside Business Association. Runners-up will receive $50 checks, and all winners will have their work displayed in prominent locations around town.

Posters should be no larger than 18 by 24 inches in size. Contestants are asked to bring their submissions to Avella's district office at 38-50 Bell Blvd. Suite C in Bayside by Nov. 18.