Desert Designs: O’odham Art Meets Spraypainting

Spraypainting and O’odham Designs with Dwayne Manuel is a hands-on cultural arts workshop that brings together traditional O’odham design elements and contemporary spraypaint techniques. Guided by On'k Akimel O'odham artist Dwayne Manuel, participants will explore the meaning, history, and symbolism behind O’odham patterns while learning foundational skills in aerosol art.

The workshop begins with a cultural overview of O’odham design—examining how patterns reflect relationships to land, community, movement, and story. From there, participants will be introduced to spraypainting tools, safety practices, and basic techniques such as layering, stenciling, shading, and line work. Dwayne will demonstrate how traditional O’odham motifs can be thoughtfully translated into contemporary visual forms, showing how Indigenous art continues to evolve while remaining rooted in cultural identity.

By the end of the session, participants will leave with a finished artwork, practical spraypainting skills, and a deeper appreciation for the strength and adaptability of O’odham artistic traditions.

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Host or Publisher Phoenix Indian Center