Is There Such a Thing as ‘Good’ Graffiti?

Is graffiti vandalism or art?

This sign made me stop. Literally.

The sign at North Westnedge and D Ave in Kalamazoo had been vandalized.

The message was not one of braggadocio, but of encouragement.

Does that make a difference?

Graffiti is vandalism and that is a crime punishable by "a fine, though other sentences such as community service, probation and even jail sentences are possible as well," according to criminaldefenselawyer.com. That is, under City statutes in Michigan. If State laws are enforced, they may have "far more serious potential consequences."

A quick look at wikipedia shows graffiti has been around since the days of ancient Rome, Greece and the Egyptian empire. There have been and are many aims of artists from setting boundaries, spreading personal fame or political goals, to public art or social expression.

Is it still ugly and criminal if it agrees with your point of view?