by Kelci Sagers

CORRESPONDENT

The stereotypical tag-artist is thought to be a reckless teen who spray paints their name and other meaningless symbols on neighborhood fences for no apparent reason in the dark of night. For the most part, their graffiti is not accepted and unwanted where it is placed. Most, when thinking of tags, think of vandalism of personal property. However, a group of four friends are trying to prove that, when done right, tagging can be some of the most beautiful art work and may portray the most tender meanings.

Wayne Steele, passed away unexpectedly on April 22 at the age of 26, leaving behind a vibrant legacy.

Steele was a tag artist, and used colorful spray paints to portray his thoughts and ideas of love, peace, and music on many different surfaces.

"Painting and artistry was definitely his passion," said Chris Steele, Wayne's older brother. "It was all really artistic and super colorful. It was actual art, it wasn't like he went out and wrote stuff on a fence."

After Wayne's death, a couple of his friends decided to combine some of his artwork that he had previously created, and turn it into a vibrant memorial in his honor. Their place of choice was the Quality Quik Stop convenience store on Broadway Ave. in Tooele.

"It's a memorial wall to him," said Jeff Eilerts, long time friend of Wayne. "Basically, the story we want to convey is that graffiti artists aren't all vandals. There are a lot of random pieces, a lot of fantasy, and it's just really colorful."

Beginning on Saturday, the friends worked on the wall for about 6-8 hours each, totaling almost 32 hours all together.

The span of the wall is estimated to be about eight feet high and 40 feet across, using an approximated amount of 150 colorful spray cans. A portrait of Wayne Steele was also included in the collage.

"I've never known people like this," said Chris Steele, when referring to Wayne and his friends. "What better way to say good-bye."