Art & Art History Graffiti Calligraphy: Exploring Street Art Mediums via a Virtual Tour and Design Workshop
From vibrant, multistory murals to folksy knit flowers on bike racks, graffiti-inspired art is both reshaping and decorating our urban landscapes. Where’s a great place to see and explore these open-air galleries and installations? Look no further than the historic RiNo Arts District neighborhoods of Cole, Five Points, Elyria-Swansea and Globeville in Denver. In this four-part creative workshop, join RiNo representatives and art teacher Shawn Bowman as they offer an awe-inspiring, behind-the-scenes virtual tour of numerous iconic pieces from worldrenowned, RiNo Arts District artists. Along the way, look at the history of graffiti arts, exploring the works of artists Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Shepard Fairey and Banksy, to learn how repetitive and nonconforming placement of images emerged from pop culture and advertising as a critique, only to be commodified itself. Find your own definition of art as you tinker with breaking all the rules. Plus, craft your own mini projects in graffiti calligraphy, yarn bombing (also known as finger knit graffiti) and learn how to make wheatpaste with the guidance of the botanical-inspired arts duo We Were Wild. Bowman says you don’t need to be a master artist to take this class. “Actually, it’s perfect for novices who’d like a deeper understanding of the techniques behind the creation of graffiti and outdoor art,” she says. A list of recommended art supplies will be provided upon registration.
Four Zoom sessions
Thur., Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021, 6:30–8:30 pm MT ENRICH 0522 / $140 Shawn Bowman teaches art, literacy and tabletop game creation along the Front Range and has been a featured speaker at art institutions in Oregon, Florida, Ohio and Colorado. She holds a BFA in film from the University of Colorado, and has authored two craft books. The RiNo Art District is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization and state certified creative district that funds and sustains Denver’s River North neighborhood through advocacy, infrastructure improvements, artist support, community programming, business support and events.
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What Our Students Are Saying For the Love of Learning! Thank you for a GREAT learning opportunity— will take another course offered by this five-star professor. Instructor is always so well-prepared and informative for every class she teaches. My expectations are always met and exceeded. The instructor was very knowledgeable and engaging. She handled if we had questions or comments. The two hours flew by all three weeks. One of my favorite instructors from the Enrichment Program. Appreciated the communication from the instructor and from the Enrichment Program. It was fun and creative and stimulated new ideas. Thank you for offering this online course; not living in Denver it saved me drive time and was gentle on our CO environment. I enjoyed every session! The instructor was enthusiastic and so interesting. I could see myself taking future classes with her. This was a very cool experience! Organized well, pre-class reading links shared, student participation encouraged, current news happening! The give and take of conversation, lots of articles to read and consider for each session, supportive feedback from the instructor. This has been super fun! I would enjoy pursuing more of these classes for the rest of the year! The instructor provided excellent resources and insight into the topics and stimulated meaningful discussion among participants. All the amazing things I learned and the instructor was so enthusiastic about the subject. Many, many thanks for this wonderful and insightful learning opportunity.
