Classy Streetz
Classy Streetz is a therapist during the week and an artist on weekends. Her work can be found on fine art canvases, on prominent public walls as well as in secretive graffiti enclaves. She often collaborates with Atlanta’s top graffiti writers as is seen in the above piece created with VAYNE on Pryor Street. In January of 2025, Classy Streetz took time out her busy schedule to answer a few interview questions for the Atlanta Street Art Map:
How would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
Describing myself to someone who has never met me is tough. At first glance, I might come across as a bit intimidating, but I’m actually the opposite. I tend to keep my guard up, but beneath that, I have a big, open heart. I’m drawn to the edges, often lingering in the shadows where life feels raw and unpolished. There’s something about the grit and grime of the streets that inspires me—it’s what fuels my creativity, both in my street work and on canvas.
Please describe your artwork for someone who has never seen it.
My work on canvas captures the raw, gritty essence of the city, focusing on places and people often forgotten or ignored. I’m drawn to the beauty hidden in the shadows, where life feels rough yet deeply authentic. I often paint spiders in the cracks and crevices of the city because they embody that same quiet presence—lurking in the unnoticed corners, showing up where you least expect, yet rich with meaning and depth.
How did you get your start doing art?
I’ve been drawn to art since I was young, though I was kicked out of high school art class for being a bit relentless. My real journey with art began in my early 20s when my grandmother introduced me to painting. I started with watercolors, and it’s been a passion ever since. These days, life and a full-time job have slowed my canvas work, but I still make time to paint whenever I can.
What inspired you to paint larger-than-life insects?
I paint larger-than-life insects because they fascinate me. Insects are often small and overlooked in nature, but I like to magnify them, giving them a spotlight they usually don’t get. I’m drawn to the idea of creating something big out of something so tiny, making it more visible and appreciated.
Does your approach to your clandestine art differ from your approach to your fine art?
With my art on the street, there’s a sense of urgency and spontaneity. It’s about making a statement, leaving a mark in places that feel forgotten or overlooked. My canvas art, on the other hand, is more intentional and reflective. I take my time to explore details and layers, focusing deeply on storytelling and emotion. While both forms stem from the same creative core, street art feels like a dialogue with the environment, while fine art feels more like a conversation with myself.
How do you navigate the male dominated graffiti landscape?
While the graffiti world is still largely male-dominated, it hasn’t been a challenge for me personally since I don’t focus on lettering. My work leans more toward imagery, and I approach street art from a place of admiration and respect for the culture rather than competition. I’m inspired by the raw energy and history of graffiti and aim to contribute to that creative dialogue in my own way.
What is the origin story of Ms. ATL?
The face of Ms. ATL comes from an old portrait of my grandmother during her modeling days. She was also an oil painter, and my family’s roots run deep in Atlanta. After she passed from cancer in 2004, I chose to share her image in my work as a way to keep her spirit alive in the streets.
Is there anything else that you would like the users of the Atlanta Street Art Map website to know?
I want the people of Atlanta to know that I’m still leaving free art around the city and will continue painting larger-than-life insects. If you’re interested in seeing more of my canvas work, you can visit my website at www.classystreetz.com.
Link to Classy Streetz’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classystreetzBack