CANS is a program where students analyze the cultural significance of spray-paint-based art while learning fundamentals in lettering, design, composition, and spray technique. Classes include an exploration of both historical lettering/styles and how they influence modern interpretations around the Portland area. Throughout the program, students will gradually develop their ability to produce stylized letters while exploring technical elements in paint/nozzle choice, color blending, layering, dimension/shadows, and more. In other words, we talk about what makes good graffiti dope and learn how to do it.
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Beaverton High School
Every other week during BeaverLodge.
Starting Thursday, October 25, 2023
Semester 1 Dates: 10/25, 11/7, 11/27, 12/12, 1/8, 1/22
Semester 2 Dates: 1/30, 2/13, 2/22, 3/4, 3/19, 4/1, 4/17, 4/29, 5/13, 5/28,
Click on the registration button above to reister.
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McDaniel High School
Every other week on Thursdays after school
Starting Thursday, October 19, 2023
S1 Dates: 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/14, 1/4, 1/18
S2 Dates: 2/8, 2/22, 3/7, 3/21, 4/4, 4/18, 5/2, 5/16, 5/30
Click on the registration button above to register.
Funded by IRCO / SUN Program.
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Harrison Park Middle School
Mondays after school starting April 1st.
Contact SUN Coordinator Jaime Flowers for registration.
Funded by IRCO / SUN Program.
Class 1: Cholos en LA
Link to full Presentation (must request access to view)
Historical Context
1920s-50s in LA: Shoe Shine Boys, systemic incarceration —> standardized styles
1538: First printing press in the Americas, use of Sevilla blocks (stylized Germanic fonts)
Style:
Olde English became the official font of headlines, street signs, birth certificates
La Placa (roll call) became a way to make your crew official
Consistent height, lettering, bold
Later became stylized versions
Resources / Inspirations
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Instructor: OC Note
OC Note is an MC, singer/songwriter, and graffiti artist from Orange County, California that is currently in living in Portland, Oregon. OC is actively working to spread positive messages to his Chicano community in the form of art, fashion, and music. He aims to spark a new wave of Mexican-American artists from Portland.
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Curriculum
Each class is designed for students to progress through the understanding of historical context, graffiti analysis, technique development, and piece formation. By the end of the series, students will be able to not only create their own pieces but also have a great appreciation and understanding of the work in their city.
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@ Beaverton High
As part of the Bigger Than Hip Hop program, students from Beaverton High School were able to learn about the history of graffiti as well as develop new techniques. Sponsored by the Beaverton Education Foundation