For Steve Powers, the mandate of Public Art is entrenched in public service. I hope his mission continues and catches on with others in the field. Beyond offering an inspiring uppercut of double entendre’d messaging, Powers offers a free sign making service to the surrounding neighborhood during his stay. In this way he can give back to the local shops in need of some exterior surface painting outreach. After all, they are the ones permanently hosting the event whether they like Powers’ work or not. That way, he leaves an impression when he leaves an impression.

We are pleased to announce our very special May 2012 issue, a special examination on the state of public art today. We have published 4 special covers for the occasion, Steve Powers, JR, Swoon, and El Mac, as well as features with Nuart, FAME Festival, Swoon, Powers, JR, an essay by Ron English, and a conversation between Revok and Saber.

Our May 2011 issue is about to hit newsstands, and we are pleased to announce that Los Angeles-based fine artist, Eric Yahnker, is the cover of both our newsstand and subscriber covers. After a successful solo exhibition, Cracks of Dawn, earlier this year with Ambach & Rice at Kunsthalle in LA, we sat down with the artist and talked about lifting weights and process. Covers after the jump . . .