"With this workshop and lecture I plan to facilitate a fun, insightful and hands-on learning experience for the students. I will begin with a short lecture (about 15 minutes) where I will speak about how local graffiti artists have shaped the modern graffiti scene; the importance of creating legal spaces for graffiti writers to paint, and the negative misconceptions that plague the graffiti world. After the lecture, I’ll begin the workshop which will run through to 4:00pm. I have several exciting activities for the class to do. To begin the workshop, I’ll Talk about different styles and types of graffiti to show the class; I put together a graffiti alphabet sheet where the class writes the alphabet in their own graffiti style. Once everyone finishes their alphabet sheet, I’ll do a short demonstration for the class on how to create a graffiti piece by using the correct process, proper letter structure, incorporating 3D, and how to join letters together. They will then be able to draw their own graffiti piece using the supplies provided. I want to let them experiment with drawing and colouring in their own way since graffiti is much like abstract art: there is no right or wrong way of doing it. For the last forty-five minutes of the workshop I would like the class to do a collaborative piece on a large sheet of paper, this will allow the students to combine their own styles and artistic ideas to create one big graffiti piece. " - Beau Smith, Graffiti Artist

Supply list - I encourage the participants to bring their own Sketchbook and markers or felts they like to use. *Masks and social distancing are required. Hand sanitizer will be provided.

2:00 - 2:15pm, Lecture.

2:15 - 3:15pm, Graffiti alphabet/free draw.

3:15 - 4:00pm, Collaborative graffiti piece.

Beau Smith

Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, Beau spent most of his days outside, exploring the nature surrounding Gibsons. He drew inspiration from his surroundings and channelled his energy into a multitude of artistic outlets such as drawing, painting, photography, and barbering. In his youth, Beau began searching for new ways to express his creativity. He ventured into urban photography, which led him down the path towards street art, which he became completely immersed in. After years of documenting and networking with graffiti writers online, Beau began to learn a lot about the local graffiti history. Realizing that not many people understand how deeply rooted Gibsons is within the graffiti culture, He went on to cofound the Graffiti Museum Company alongside Gerald Shaffer in 2018. The company is based on educating people on local graffiti history in towns and cities around the world through history books, lectures, workshops, and art exhibits.