Explore fish as symbols across art history, then use mixed media, personal references and hidden “Easter eggs” to build a finished 2D/3D artwork of your own.

• Explore Fish Symbolism: Look at how fish appear across art history, folklore, cultural traditions and contemporary visual culture.
• Build Personal Meaning: Use Rivera's Easter Egg Theory to hide personal narratives, inside jokes and meaningful symbols within your work.
• Work Across Media: Combine acrylic paint, collage, markers and 3D relief elements on a rigid wooden panel.
• Complete A Finished Panel: Finish a mixed-media artwork eligible for the end-of-year UAC gallery showcase.

Explore why fish have captured the human imagination across history as sacred symbols, totems, objects of desire and subconscious archetypes. Led by artist Jesus Rivera (VisualGzas), this three-session workshop blends art history, creative games and guided mixed-media studio production. Using Rivera's Easter Egg Theory, participants learn how to use symbolism and semiotics to encode personal narratives, inside jokes and secret memories into a textured 2D/3D panel. This workshop is the first instalment in the multi-part Obsessions series (Fish, Snakes, Bees and Cats), leading toward an end-of-year collective gallery showcase at the Urban Art Collective.

About Your Instructor

Jesus Rivera is a visual artist and storyteller who likes ideas with layers, symbols with purpose and images that reward a second, third and probably fourth look.

Learn more about Jesus

Course Rundown

Day 1: History, Symbolism & The Secret Life of Fish in Art

• Speed-Fish warm-up exercise on index cards to break perfectionism and introduce participants.
• Visual presentation covering fish symbolism across art history from cave paintings to contemporary street culture.
• Surrealist Mashup Cut-Out exercise using curated historical references, collage papers and paint markers.
• Brainstorming personal reference images and hidden Easter egg symbols to prepare for Day 2.

Day 2: Cultural Roots, Semiotics & Canvas Prep

• "Sacred, Fetish or Kitsch" voting activity followed by group discussion on cultural roots, folklore and personal heritage.
• "Fish Swaps" timed collaborative drawing exercise.
• Finalizing composition layouts, applying background washes and building collage foundations to dry fully for Day 3.

Day 3: Mixed-Media Studio Workshop & Reveal

• Technique demonstration covering paint layering, fine-line detailing, 3D relief attachment and protective top coats.
• Open studio production time to complete the mixed-media panel with one-on-one feedback from Jesus.
• Mini gallery walk where artists display their finished work and reveal their hidden Easter eggs to the group.

By The End Of This Course, You Will:

• Understand the history, cultural folklore and semiotics of fish symbolism in classical and contemporary art.
• Apply the Easter Egg Theory to hide personal narratives and meaningful symbols within your visual work.
• Combine acrylic painting, collage, markers and 3D relief elements onto a finished wooden panel.
• Complete a portfolio-ready mixed-media artwork eligible for the end-of-year UAC gallery showcase.

What We Provide

• Paints & Inks: Acrylic paints, detail markers, brushes and protective clear finishes.
• Collage & 3D Media: Air-dry clay, modelling paste, curated vintage printouts, collage papers, adhesives and glues.
• Substrates & Tools: Rigid wooden panels, cutting tools and full access to studio workstations.

What To Bring & Requirements

• Personal Reference & Ephemera: 1 to 2 personal reference photos, small found flat objects, fabric scraps or sentimental items to embed into your panel.
• Apparel: Wear clothes and footwear that can handle paint and adhesives.
• Skill Level: All levels welcome. No prior mixed-media experience required.

Event Details

• Location: Urban Art Collective Art Hub, 50 Bayswater Avenue, Ottawa
• Instructor: Jesus Rivera
• Level & Audience: All Levels. Creators interested in mixed media, symbolism and personal storytelling. Part 1 of the UAC Obsessions series.
• Maximum Capacity: 12 attendees
• Minimum Enrolment: This course runs with a minimum of 6 attendees.