Getting Hands-On with Graffiti Painting at Phillips@THEARC

Lia Burchianti, Spring 2025 Community Engagement Intern at Phillips@THEARC, shares her experience at a workshop at THEARC led by Luis Del Valle

Since joining The Phillips Collection as the Community Engagement Intern in January, I have had the opportunity to attend multiple public programs. From artist-led workshops to community discussions, I have witnessed firsthand the impact art can have in bringing people together. At the most recent hands-on workshop at Phillips@THEARC we explored graffiti culture. 

Graffiti art took center stage as artist Luis Del Valle led a hands-on workshop exploring the dynamic intersection of fine art and street art. Participants of all ages and artistic backgrounds gathered for an immersive experience, diving into the history and techniques of graffiti. Throughout the workshop, Luis shared stories from his journey as an artist, from painting murals as a teenager in the city to exhibiting his work at institutions such as the Vatican Embassy and the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. 

Graffiti has long been a form of storytelling, activism, and self-identity, deeply rooted in hip-hop culture. Luis Del Valle guided attendees through the process of creating their own graffiti-style paintings. Participants learned how words and letters can shape a positive and inspiring message in public spaces using carbon paper transfers, stencils, and acrylic markers.

One of the most exciting aspects of the workshop was the freedom to experiment with color, line work, and form. Whether they were first-time painters or experienced creatives, attendees embraced the opportunity to express themselves through a fusion of graffiti and fine art techniques. By the end of the session, the room was filled with bold, eye-catching designs, each carrying a unique message and personal significance.

Workshops like these highlight Phillips@THEARC’s mission: to create accessible, community-driven art experiences that inspire and empower. Luis Del Valle’s guidance not only introduced participants to the technical skills of graffiti painting but also emphasized the medium’s cultural and personal significance.

Participants left with their own works of art, a newfound appreciation for graffiti as an artistic practice, and a deeper understanding of its role in shaping public discourse. The workshop was a testament to the power of community engagement through the arts, where everyone, regardless of experience, can find their voice through creative expression.

Join us for upcoming workshops at THEARC including Hands-on with Comic Collaging with Noreen Smith (June 18) and Hands-on with Comics & Storytelling with Ronal Wimberly (July 16).