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City residents looking to put paint to canvas have an eco-friendly option to test out their graffiti hands.
Carlos Gandia has been operating free spray paint sessions behind The Clever Tiger Art Studio and Gallery for the past six months. The studio time coincides with the farmer’s market and Sip, Shop and Stroll, the city’s monthly celebration of downtown businesses.
“Spray paint until your heart’s content. Make sure to take a photo when you’re done though, everything is temporary,” said Gandia.
The gathering is sponsored by the Elgin Arts Association and features crates of donated paint alongside a lineup of wooden canvases for locals to tag. “It’s not good plywood, but it’s great for this,” added Gandia.
The host considers himself “more of an outsider artist,” who mostly paints just for fun or commission. He stands close by to lend a helping hand or provide tips for anyone who may be new to the hobby.
“I want to make it easier to try something new, and get some experience,” said Gandia.
While the sheets of plywood have been getting thicker with each passing week from new artists, he wants to bring out more of Elgin’s youth and keep them away from tagging buildings.
Spray paint cans can’t be recycled until all the paint has been used up, and Gandia has a stockpile ready to get through.
Check out the scene on the second Thursday of every month, from 5 to 8 p.m., behind 114 Depot St.
