DEADLINE EXTENDED:
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 at MIDNIGHT!
7th ANNUAL SUNNY DAYZ MURAL FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 5, 2027
Shawnee, OK
The Sunny Dayz Mentorship Program is for underrepresented Oklahoma artists ages 16–19 who are interested in learning more about muralism, public art, and what it takes to bring a mural from an idea on paper to a finished wall.
Sunny Dayz Mural Festival is an Oklahoma nonprofit. Since 2021, we have created opportunities for women and gender-minority artists to connect, collaborate, create, and lead through public art. Through our mentorship program, we’re excited to help the next generation of Oklahoma artists find their place in the mural and public art community.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a hands-on introduction to the world of muralism and public art. Beginning in November, mentees will meet monthly via Zoom with professional muralists, educators, and other arts professionals to learn about the full mural-making process and creative careers.
Topics will include:
- Developing an idea and telling a story through art
- Sketching, composition, and designing for a wall
- Color, materials, and painting techniques
- Scaling designs using grids, projection, and other methods
- Collaboration and working as part of a mural team
- The business side of being a professional artist
- Mural installation and what it takes to bring a design to life
The program will culminate during Sunny Week in Shawnee, where mentees will put what they’ve learned into practice and work together to complete a small mural with guidance from Sunny Dayz leadership and professional artists.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We’re looking to build a strong cohort of 10–15 young Oklahoma artists ages 16–19 who are curious, creative, willing to learn, and excited to explore public art and muralism. Students from Pottawatomie County will be prioritized as we build a local cohort for the 2027 Sunny Dayz Mural Festival in Shawnee.
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Alignment with Sunny Dayz’s mission and values
- Artistic interest and direction
- Interest in learning and participating in the program
- Ability to participate consistently throughout the program
IMPORTANT DATES
- November 1 at midnight: Application deadline
- November 3: Applicants notified by email
- Sunday, November 8: Mentorship kickoff in Shawnee, time and location TBD
- November-May: Monthly Thursday evening mentorship meetings via Zoom
- Sunday, May 30 + Thursday, June 3 + Friday, June 4: Sunny Week events and programming in Shawnee
- Saturday, June 5, 12–8pm: SUNNY DAYZ 2027 IN SHAWNEE!
A full schedule of mentorship meetings, Sunny Week events, and programs will be provided to accepted mentees.
REQUIREMENTS
- Age: Applicants must be 16 years old by May 30, 2027 and 19 or younger through June 6, 2027.
- Attendance: Mentees are expected to attend at least 6 of the 7 monthly Zoom meetings listed above. If you are unable to attend a meeting, you must communicate with your mentorship lead.
- Sunny Week: Selected mentees are required to participate in events on Sunday, May 30, Thursday, June 3 and Friday, June 4, as well as the entire Sunny Dayz festival on Saturday, June 5, 12–8pm.
- Participation: Mentees are expected to actively participate in meetings, mentorship activities, and the final mural project.
Have questions or need assistance with this application?
Please contact mentorship@sunnydayzmuralfest.com