Here’s a cool idea to create art and build community at the same time for just pennies: use a large, thrifted canvas on which to bring people together for a group-made masterpiece!
During the recent “Paint With Pride” DIY Night in partnership with Goodwill and my art/upcycling studio, a thrifted canvas was added to the fun, festivities, and fellowship (people-ship?). Folks gathered to transform items brought to the space from Goodwill using paints and materials provided.
The connecting and creating started during the event and continued when attendees added their energies to a group piece; the process expanded during a recent Saturday at the Brookland Arts Walk, where my studio is located.
As neighbors, visitors, and families enjoyed the Farmer’s Market and open art studios, they contributed their time, talents, and treasures to this group project.
The result? Yes, a colorful and totally funky piece of art was created, AND, equally important, relationships and friendships were formed and/or deepened through the creative process. If you are looking for a fun, engaging addition to your next gathering, this easy DIY project will be a home run for sure!
Items needed:
· Large canvas
· A collection of colorful craft paints
· Paint brushes in all sorts of sizes
· Black sharpies
· You!
Simple Steps:
1. Hit Goodwill for a canvas to display or transform
Thankfully for your walls and for this DIY project, all Goodwill stores have a cadre of paintings, prints, and decorative pieces for any room and in any style.
Often, while finding your good there, you come across painted canvases from unknown artists.
I love these pieces knowing that someone took time, energy, and care to create the image. If you are like me, you often buy them as is to display, adding charm and whimsy to your place.
However, for this idea, look beyond the piece’s current appearance and aim to buy the biggest canvas possible. A large one bought brand new can cost you big bucks; thankfully, when you shop at Goodwill, you are able to pick up one for just a couple of dollars. And you are helping to support Goodwill’s life-changing programs so everybody wins!
2. Create a blank canvas
To create a neutral background on which to be creative, consider spray painting or rolling on white tones.
Simply place it outside on a drop cloth if spray painting; consider a roller to apply it on easily, too. Let it dry, of course!
3. Sketch out something special
Grab your Sharpie and sketch out a happy design to cover the canvas.
Given the Summer season, sunflowers, butterflies, ladybugs, and even a smiling mushroom come together for a look that is appealing to all.
4. Invite folks to fill in the blanks
Put your character-covered canvas on a table or workspace. Bring out your collection of paints and brushes. Position paper towels and wet wipes close by, just in case.
Add a container of water to place used brushes in before cleaning. Now, simply step back to watch the magic happen!
5. Touch it up to make it terrific
After your community-created masterpiece has dried, you will want to return to it with your handy-dandy black Sharpie or other thick marker. Go over your original design to bring out the lines to ensure they are crisp and clear. Add eyes and smiles to any of the critters.
Expert Tip:
The cheerful painting featured here was a magnet for kids of all ages and for artists of all abilities. However, there was a point when the painting was done, and it should have been removed. Additional hands, brush strokes, and love started to blend images together, smudging them, and more layers of paint covered some of its cuteness.
Consider stopping the group process earlier and taking a little bit of time to touch up the paint, too, to ensure all images are clearer and happier.
6. Name it, Hang it & Celebrate it
The title of this one-of-a-kind creation is “Brookland is Blooming,” given the location where it was created. It was dated, too, so everyone can look back and remember when they got to be a part of it.
If possible, hang it or place it in a spot where people may pose with it, ensuring it is low for the little ones. And celebrate all the goodwill (yes, Goodwill!) which happened all along the way.
Similar Reads:
- DIY: Let Your Light & Support Shine with Pride-Painted Lamps
- DIY: Show Your Pride with Painted Pieces
- DIY Project: Reflect Your Pride by Upcycling a Mirror or Two
- DIY: One Clock, Four Ways to Upcycle It
Tim Kime
Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach
