Designed for students who caught the bug in the trial workshop or want to take their work off small panels and onto actual physical structures. This course covers the practical side of public art: gridding small sketches to massive scale, building freestanding 8-foot modular walls, executing a team mural, and running a clean site teardown.

Course Logistics

• Duration: 6 weeks (1 session per week, 3 hours per session = 18 total instruction hours)
• Class Size: 6 students minimum / 12 students maximum
• Target Audience: Youth and adults ready to learn real production, tool handling, and large-scale public art execution.

Weekly Curriculum Breakdown

Week 1: Aerosol Deep Dive & Image Scaling

• Moving from small sketchbook ideas to wall-sized dimensions using manual grids and projection.
• Advanced aerosol control: pressure management, fading techniques, and crisp line work.
• Respirator safety, ventilation, drop-sheet setups, and site prep.

Week 2: Multi-Layer Stencils & Registration

• Designing, cutting, and registering 2-layer and 3-layer stencils using acetate and cardstock.
• Controlling overspray and securing stencils on vertical surfaces.
• Combining freehand spray backgrounds with detailed stencil overlays.

Week 3: Wheatpaste, Large Paper & Lettering

• Cooking wheatpaste from scratch and prepping large-format paper prints.
• Applying paper paste-ups to smooth wood and textured surfaces.
• Block lettering, paint marker details, and sealing artwork for outdoor durability.

Week 4: Modular Wall Builds & Tool Safety

• Hands-on construction: building freestanding 4x8-foot temporary art panels using 2x4 framing and plywood.
• Safe operation of cordless drivers, hand tools, fasteners, and ballast weights for wall stability.
• Designing a group mural layout to fit the custom-built wall.

Week 5: Collaborative Crew Mural

• Working as an installation crew to execute the large-scale mural across the modular wall system.
• Blending stencils, wheatpaste, lettering, and spray work into one unified piece.
• On-site problem-solving, time management, and team coordination.

Week 6: Exhibition, Lighting & Site Restoration

• Setting up temporary display lighting and framing the mural for a final showcase.
• Hosting a mini exhibition for friends, family, and the community.
• Full site breakdown: unbolting wall frames, packing tools, sorting materials, and site cleanup.

What We Provide

• Safety Gear & Site Prep: Fit-tested respirators, eye protection, gloves, and drop sheets.
• Art Supplies: Aerosol paint, specialty caps, multi-layer stencil materials (acetate/cardstock), wheatpaste, large-format paper prints, paint markers, and protective sealants.
• Build Materials & Power Tools: 2x4 framing lumber, plywood, fasteners, ballast weights, cordless drivers, and hand tools.
• Display Equipment: Temporary display lighting for the final exhibition showcase.

What To Bring & Requirements

• Footwear & Apparel: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or work boots (mandatory for tool handling and wall construction sessions) and work clothing that can get painted.
• No Prior Experience Required: Open to anyone ready to learn production and large-scale public art execution (completing First Can is helpful, but not required).

Event Details

• Dates: To be announced
• Format: 6 weekly sessions (3 hours per session)
• Location: Urban Art Collective Art Hub, 50 Bayswater Avenue, Ottawa
• Instructor: To be announced
• Level: Intermediate / All Levels
• Maximum Capacity: 12 attendees
• Minimum Enrolment: 6 attendees required