It’s actually more of a wall of fame, a colorful mural that stretches along Park Avenue between East 106th and 107th Streets.

Every year, James Top, the executive director of the Graffiti Hall of Fame, chooses a theme and selects the artists. This year, it's "the writer’s bench" about how in the 1970s, the pioneers of graffiti sat on subway platforms and benches and taught each other the craft. "You know graffiti art was attached to our self-esteem and I think a lot of people don’t truly understand that," Top said. "If you became a top flight graffiti artist in your neighborhood you were somebody."

Top remembers how, during that time, New York City was in a fiscal crisis. Schools were cutting art programs, and aspiring artists took to the streets, tagging buildings and spraying trains. "Some people say, 'Why didn’t you guys buy canvasses? Why didn’t you buy paints?' he said. "Because we couldn’t afford it." 

Of course, you don’t see as much graffiti anymore. Top said law enforcement plays a role in that, and so does gentrification. He points to Five Pointz in Queens, where the owner whitewashed and demolished a graffiti-covered warehouse to make way for condos. Top said that’s why the Graffiti Hall of Fame is so important.

"Not only is this about graffiti art, but it’s also about hip hop culture and East Harlem culture," he said.

The nonprofit Hope Community just opened a gallery on East 104th Street, where Top will showcase more artwork and lead tours this summer.