As Jacob Roberts walks around Syracuse, he's used to seeing walls that are bare or graffiti that shouldn't be there.

"If we see more of that stuff, especially with sensitive sites, new buildings, historic landmarks, it's like ‘Oh, cringe,’" said Roberts, the 315 Alive program coordinator.

But he's trying to change that.

"Looking at areas like this sort of these dead walls, gray walls, parking garages, why not use that like an outside art gallery saying Syracuse is alive and well with the arts," said Roberts.

While also teaching artists the right way to practice their craft, after some neighbors became upset seeing "Syrazy" spray painted throughout the city.

The Syrazy founders agree the vandalism needs to stop.

"It's the way that people are supporting Syrazy in the city,” said Ari Spinoza, the Syrazy co-founder. “It's not the best way you can show your support for Syrazy, not on public property. We're going to have places for you to show your support."

"We want contemporary art, we want things that are off the wall, but let's get it in the right places,” said Roberts. “Rather than jumping off and throwing it up and running away and giving it a bad name."

Roberts and 315 Alive are pushing for more public art space to help beautify the city and encourage young artists to stay.

"We get preapproval from property owners,” said Roberts. “We turn that over to artists and say we have opportunities now. Then, design out some murals and concepts and bring it to neighborhood associations, eventually to the public arts commission for approval."

Roberts hopes more people will give them a platform to express themselves and bring the community together.

"It becomes more of sandbox in a playground, and Syracuse needs more of those opportunities,” said Roberts. “So work together, break down some boundaries."

And create a space where imaginations can soar.

315 Alive and other local artists are working on their next project. They plan to paint up to 20 murals in Westcott Nation this fall.