Play that funky Music

The Appo Youth spent their first hour with me painting to music.
I like to start my students (of any age) off with this exercise because I believe it allows room to be experimental, expressive, and there are no ways to make mistakes. The students begin by listening to music (I love to play P-funk or James Brown to start,) analyzing what they hear, and translating sounds into colors, lines, and shapes onto their paper. Shy students are usually taken in by the music and awaken, other more outgoing students are encouraged to move their whole bodies and let their crayons or paintbrushes dance.

Blackbooks, Slaps, and Tags

My Appo Pre-Teens practice writing letters to develop their own personal "tag" name or signature in this street art curriculum. They were given their very own blackbooks at the beginning of the second class and eyes lit up, mouths were silent, and they were fully engaged! They are also very excited to create their own mural which we will paint on an interior wall of their club. The final idea is still marinating but is fully inspired by the lack of "Free Walls," or designated legal graffiti walls. It will be painted with chalkboard paint and become a place to practice graffiti in chalks.