This workshop is a hands-on exploration of creative text design. Students make a stylized graffiti piece using collage techniques and new font skills. Where possible, maker space tools are integrated into the lesson plan utilizing Cricut and Silhouette machines and stencils.
Skills developed during workshop include visual and verbal literacy, kenesthetic learning, color theory, stem and steam skills and best practices for utilizing library resources including internet tools, and books from collection. Workshop also explores history of typography from printing press to modern advertising giving a background on the evolution of graffiti -from alley walls to curated museum work. Handouts are provided including links to articles about Colorado artists and where to see examples of street art locally.
No special tools for this workshop are needed though many participating venues have added the Crayola Air Marker Sprayer to their supply closet. This tool uses washable markers in the same way a professional artist might use an air brush or paint can. It is super durable and gives outstanding results, giving students a chance to try new skills with huge success rate and limited mess. I do bring my own sprayer to workshops but they are also inexpensive and can be found on-line for $8-24.
This workshop can run from one hour to two, giving participants more time to develop a personal font style or dig deeper into the epistemology of words. We look at the context of where we see words and how word choices affect our interpretations of language and art. At the Anythink Wright Farm Library this workshop was expanded into five sessions where we practiced our graffiti art skills on large altered canvasses and skateboard decks.
The activities in this workshop are ideal for pop up and festival booths as well, with collaborative and make and take elements which participants can take home or wear. Because the tools are easy to use this workshop is suitable for all ages and lessons can be adapted for even the youngest students.