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NEW YORK -- Two New York artists setting up an exhibition of graffiti-inspired works were arrested on graffiti charges.
Todd James, 29, was taken into custody Oct. 2 in Manhattan's Soho district across the street from the gallery that was about to show his work. Josh Lazcano, 25, was arrested inside two days later.
"These individuals have been long known to the police department, and they have a history of damaging property," police spokeswoman June Martucci said. "It has nothing to do with the show."
James was charged with defacing a school building in 1999, and Lazcano was charged with spray-painting a building in 1997. Both refused comment.
The owner of the gallery said he was stunned.
"I have never, never in my experience known artists to be arrested while they're putting up a serious museum exhibition in a leading gallery," Jeffrey Deitch said.
