From this
project, they will learn the dynamics of working as a team, emphasized through
participation. They will gain feelings of respect for their achievements and
will witness the strength of a group creation.
What
Happens During the Workshop?
Prior to
my arrival, the theme is decided according to local interests. Participants
research elements relating to the theme.
The Workshop
should be planned on three consecutive days, each day consists of three or
four working hours.
The first
day looks at collaboration (boundaries - keeping or crossing them) and painting
(balance, colour, composition), especially as it relates to monumental works
(seen from a distance). Drawing exercises on a small scale practice collaboration.
Exercises are analyzed. The mural is prepared.
The second
day the mural is painted. Discussion continues on the elements of painting,
collaboration and introduces the art of compromise (individual versus group
identity).
The third
day we discuss, "Is it finished?". After analysis of the elements
of a monument, the group decides, and finishes if necessary.
What
Kind of Group is Suitable?
I have conducted Collaborative Murals with a wide variety of participants.
The formal Workshops I have conducted have been with elementary and secondary
schools (ages 6 to 18), but I have done Collaborative Murals with a mixture
of participants including toddlers and their grandparents. All of the murals
have been artistic and team building triumphs. I find that older participants
are more focused and easier for me to work with, but the younger ones have
a naiveté and spontaneity that is delightful. I would welcome the opportunity
to do workshops with adults, and I feel that they would probably have the
most to gain from the Workshop's principles.
An ideal number of participants is sixteen, although I have done Workshops
with as few as six and as many as one hundred.
Where
can the mural go?
Ideally, an indoor wall large enough and accessible for all participants to
work, generally about 2 metres high to 3-6 metres wide. The mural can also
be done on plywood (of similar dimensions), created on the ground (lying flat
or standing against a wall), and installed later (up high to avoid vandalism,
or just to have the large space).
What
Materials are Required?
Day 1
- For the Exercises
1. To develop
collaboration skills
Provided
by me
-
white paper, 50 cm by 75 cm or larger, of a medium or heavier weight (20 LB
or more - i.e. not newsprint).
Provided
by the school
-
coloured markers (primary colours + black), of varying widths (fine - highlighter
width).
2. To develop
colour interaction and boundary skills
Provided
by me
-
painted cardboard (approx 30" by 36") painted in blocks of solid
colours joining to cover the entire surface.
Provided
by the school
-
finger-paints or tempera of a thick consistency (not runny), primary colours
+ black and white
-
brushes (a good quantity of various sizes, more medium and small than large)
-
plastic containers for water (1 litre yogurt containers are ideal), 2 each
per painter
-
palettes for paint (Styrofoam plates or clean Styrofoam containers from under
fruits, vegetables or meat are ideal)
-
knives to distribute paint
-
rags, paper towels or other similar things for cleaning and cleanup
-
participants should wear appropriate clothing (i.e. old, coveralls, etc.)
that doesn't matter if it gets paint on it
Days
2 and 3 - for the Mural
Provided
by me
-
Acrylic paint (student or basic quality is fine). Primary colours + black
and white (more black and white than the other colours). We find that a set
of six 8 oz (250 ml) tubes should do an 2 × 3 metre surface. Larger
jars will be more economical, and it is better to have extra than to be short.
Provided by the school
-
Surface to be painted (wall, plywood, canvas, etc.) primed with white paint
( 2 coats of mat white latex - a glossy wall should be sanded lightly before
being primed. If the surface is already a light colour, it may not need priming).-
Masking tape (one roll each of 1/2" and 2")
-
masking tape - a roll each of 1/2 inch and 2 inch
-
brushes (a good quantity of various sizes, more medium and small than large)
-
plastic containers for water (1 litre yogurt containers are ideal), 2 each
per painter
-
palettes for paint (Styrofoam plates or clean Styrofoam containers from under
fruits, vegetables or meat are ideal)
-
rags, paper towels or other similar things for cleaning and cleanup
-
participants should wear appropriate clothing (i.e. old, coveralls, etc.)
that doesn't matter if it gets paint on it.
What
does it cost?
The cost of materials for a three day workshop for 16 people should be under
$100 Canadian. If the mural is to be painted on plywood, that cost will be
additional. If you would like me to provide the painted cardboard and paper,
add $50. Most groups already have brushes and gouache paint.
My time is charged at $325 per day, plus any travel and accommodation expenses.
What
happens after the mural is complete?
In addition to creating a visual experience which lifts up
the spirit of the environment, the mural also can strengthen identity and
values. Some schools have used details of the mural, or the results of the
exercises as a means of raising funds. Cards or calendars can be made and
sold, and some of the exercise results have been framed and sold or presented
at events.
How
do I arrange for a Collaborative Mural Workshop?
Contact me at (819) 647-3416
or email me at art@marciomelo.com.
I will be happy to discuss any ideas or possibilities that you might have.
