Toronto graffiti artists turn alleyway into art space

It may give Rick Mercer a new place to rant.

An attempt is underway to clean-up an alleyway in the city's west end by offering dozens of graffiti artists a chance to display their talents.

The art installation is part of a community revitalization project in the Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue area.

Li-Hill, 26, was using his cans of aerosol spray paint on Thursday to add to the giant mural.

"It's my passion. It's my job. It's what I love," he said.

Li-Hill is one of about a dozen artists handpicked to change the look of the alley.

Steve Ferrera, another of the artists, says the projectBrighten The Corners For The Love Of Artmatches street artists with public space that needs a paint job.

"We'll paint anything actually," said Ferrera.

Ferrera says within graffiti culture there is a hierarchy and if someone paints a piece, "you typically don't paint over it."

For people whose homes back out onto this alley the project is welcome.

"I think it's a great idea. I think people will treat the space a little nicer if it's cleaned up," said Ashley Crate.

Artists hope to finish painting the alley by Sundayweather permitting.