Mastering Muralism: Art, Community, and Collaboration

Join long-time collaborators, muralists, and friends Max Gonzales and Shane Pilster for a session on mural-making best practices. Discover the distinctions between street art, graffiti, style writing, and muralism, and gain insights into the practical aspects of art commissions. Gonzales and Pilster will share their experiences with creative control, budgeting, and the client-artist relationship, emphasizing professional integrity.

Learn about the tangible aspects of mural creation, from conceptualization and mock-ups to budgeting for time, materials, and travel. Understand the labor-intensive nature of muralism and its public setting, where varied reactions add to the vibrancy of the art form.

This talk will highlight the collaborative strengths that drive their projects, showcasing how teamwork enhances creativity. With a focus on design, mock-ups, and real-world challenges, Gonzales and Pilster aim to inspire and educate aspiring artists.

This session is geared toward artists at any stage of their career who want to learn more about the mural process. The guest presenters encourage participants to bring any and all questions – even the most challenging.

Max Emiliano Gonzales, also known by their artist name “GEMS”, can be classified as an activist, art educator, muralist, graffiti writer, curator, and much more. Originally from the Southwest side of Chicago and raised in Latino communities, Max brings a unique perspective to Pittsburgh and their Garfield community.

Max was brought to Pittsburgh in 2012 to attend Carnegie Mellon University's Fine Art program on a full-ride Scholarship. By 2016 Max had graduated with honors, secured multiple positions with the University, and was arrested as Pittsburgh’s most wanted graffiti artist. Rather than let the notoriety of their graffiti identity dwindle, Max has gone on to develop a career from it as a practicing artist, muralist, curator, and art educator.

Max has presented as a guest artist, lectured, and run workshops at locations including The University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Winchester Thurston High School, Pittsburgh CAPA, Propel Schools, The Carnegie Libraries, Youth Places, Assemble Pgh, and The Environmental Charter School. Max is also a member of Hemispheric Conversations Urban Art Project, the Uptown Arts Council, and the Maxo Vanka Educational Programming Committee.

Lately, Max has become most well known for their spray paint Murals and community-driven Mural events. As a full-time muralist, Max wishes to use their identity and vast knowledge of the arts to serve the public and brighten the walls of any community they may be invited into.

DoWhatWeLove.com; Instagram.com/goodboygems

Shane Pilster is a dynamic creative force, skilled in artistry, muralism, curation, and graphic design. He merges graffiti and urban arts with a strong dedication to community engagement, taking on roles as an educator, advocate, and mentor. Shane uses graffiti to amplify the voices of marginalized groups, sharing his expertise to empower individuals to use art for personal or societal change.

Originally from Santa Cruz, CA, Shane has been rooted in Pittsburgh since 2004. He initiated the Graffiti Art Program at Rivers of Steel (Carrie Furnaces) in 2013 and co-founded HCUAP, collaborating with impactful nonprofits like Hip-Hop On LOCK and The YMCA. His portfolio ranges from local projects to partnerships with national corporations such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Verizon.

With over two decades of spray painting experience and fifteen years of engaging with youth and the public, Shane has contributed to numerous public art installations and workshops. He continues to refine his craft alongside fellow artist and mural partner Max Gonzales.

In Shane Pilster's career, you'll find a blend of artistic skill and a commitment to nurturing creativity and social change within communities, leaving a lasting impact through vibrant expressions of art.

Access & Accommodations

This session will be held online via Zoom. Closed captioning will be available throughout the presentation via the online platform.

To request additional accommodations for this event, please submit your request in writing on the event registration form. A Shiftworks staff member will follow up with you directly about your request. We will attempt to implement requests for reasonable accommodations to the best of our ability, but cannot guarantee that all requests will be met. Alternate accommodations may be suggested by staff. All requests must be made by Monday, October 14, 2024.

For any questions, please contact Ashley Anderson at [email protected].

Registration for this session is $20 per person; advance registration is required.

Scholarships are available for those needing assistance with cost of attendance. To request scholarship assistance, please contact Rachel Klipa at [email protected].

Host or Publisher Office of Public Art