It happens overnight: A plywood construction barrier goes up and is promptly plastered with ads that turn half a block into a billboard for the latest romantic comedy or pop album. There’s no question that wheat-pasted ads are common in the Mission, but are they legal?
In a word, no, but there are enough loopholes to make the option attractive and doable for anyone who doesn’t make a habit of it.
For some, wheat-pasting is art.
Galeria de la Raza has used wheat-pasting and billboards as a way to promote its exhibits. Adriana Grino, the gallery’s curatorial and special programs manager, said that they’ve asked artists to add graffiti art to their billboard.
A few months ago, the gallery asked artist Jesse Hernandez to spray paint on its billboard on Bryant Street. That was at the Galeria’s request, but most often artists act without an invitation.
“It’s a form for artists to get their art out there,” said Grino. “It’s just an outlet for public dialogue.”
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