More than 500 artists around the nation created and bestowed their talents at the flood wall in downtown St. Louis during Labor Day weekend.

The 26th Paint Louis took place from Sept. 1-3 as various people came together to celebrate the main principles of hip-hop in St. Louis. Artists like Soul of Mischief, Aceyalone from Freestyle Fellowship, and old-school NY train painter Zephyr came out for the event.

The festival had astounding views. Walking around, you could see the beauty of St. Louis itself and the art of many creative artists. A wide range of art was presented, mainly graffiti, rapping, and even break dancing. 

You could watch as graffiti artists paint or as performers show their talents allowing many people to openly express themselves. They even had a station where people could try spray painting themselves, inclusive to everybody. 

One of the organizers of Paint Louis is John Harrington. Harrington has represented the St. Louis hip-hop and art scene ever since 1997. He shares the love of the culture with his friends and family. His #1 priority of Paint Louis “is to keep the four elements of hip hop alive by putting the spotlight on graffiti artists.”

Paint Louis is a local event that’s been happening since 1997 and was first called a “graffiti jam” with only a handful of artists there. Over time, the number of artists attending increased. Artists from all around the world have traveled here.

Paint Louis has formed a dedicated community. Diverse in different artists and performers. Paint Louis has allowed the artist to practice their art freely and let Artists meet other fellow artists.  

“It’s kinda a yearly reunion for the artists,”  Harrington states.