CHICAGO – Religious art may inspire thoughts of stained-glass windows or Michelangelo's famous frescoes at the Sistine Chapel.

For a growing segment of enthusiasts, religious art now also includes graffiti. Its use as an art form by Christian ministries like Gospel Graffiti Crew and Upward Sports shows the genre has broad appeal.

The term "graffiti" originates from a Greek word, meaning "to write."

While it has a long association with vandalism, graffiti is a form of expression that has been around for centuries, dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome. However, its contemporary application is more closely connected to rap and hip-hop, giving voice to subversive culture.

Aric Diaz – who goes by his initials A.D. – started painting graffiti when he was a teenager in Texas. Now married

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