Artist Blue the Great has partnered with 7-Eleven to debut his capsule collection, appropriately titled “Oh Thank Heaven,” the convenience store’s slogan. He commemorated the event during Miami Art Week by throwing a party at the Nighttime Swim Rooftop Bar at the Citizen Miami Worldcenter Hotel. Blue was the DJ at the event, while Secret Walls hosted a paint battle. 

The streetwear collection celebrates skating culture and the significance of 7-Eleven within that culture. Blue’s work is an homage to his life experiences, and the new clothing line is no different. The logo he designed for his and 7-Eleven connects his life to others with shared experiences through vibrant colors and talent.

Blue the Great’s Background

Though born in Dallas, Blue grew up in Los Angeles’s skating culture. He has been an artist, and his life experiences, like skating, inspire him. Blue has been “creating since he was a kid,” and believes “it would be cool to make art for a living.” Blue took his creative style and painted images that he related to. 

Blue’s bold and inventive style is mainly created through spray paint, though he uses other mediums. His creativity has led to him collaborating on record covers and Air Jordans. Still, his recent collaboration directly results from his childhood memories of going to 7-Eleven with friends and family.

The Collaboration with 7-Eleven

The “Oh Thank Heaven” design features a mummified skater skating in front of 7-Eleven’s mirrored logo while holding a 7-Eleven Slurpee. The skater is adorned with Blue’s artist tag throughout the vibrant colors and mummy motifs. The collection highlights Blue’s playful side while blending many vibrant colors to form the picture.

Blue said, “The 7-Eleven collab came about through my homies at Secret Walls. 

They were looking for an artist to collaborate with, and I was immediately drawn to the idea. The name ‘Oh Thank Heaven’ is a play on words, referencing the convenience store chain and the feeling of relief and gratitude that comes with finding something you need.”

Secret Walls

Secret Walls is an international paint battle hosted by Terry Guy, Blue’s friend who hosted Blue’s debut party in Miami. The noteworthy event is held in numerous big cities and provides a platform for artists to compete and engage with the audience while creating their work. 

Blue is a four-time champion at Secret Walls, so the art battle was a perfect backdrop to Blue’s announcement and subsequent party. Secret Walls showed off Blue’s collection and featured two local artists, staying true to their core values. The two local artists battled for 90 minutes with only black paint and black Posca markers in front of a large crowd.

Blue’s Debut Party

Fueled by the artist’s adrenaline and musical skills, the large crowd at Blue’s debut party broke into a dance circle while chanting “Secret Walls.” The artists fed off the crowd, and one included the audience in his painting. The other painter opted for a futuristic vision, painting an alien drinking a 7-Eleven Slurpee. 

Guy was not surprised at the turnout, stating, “These events, often held in bars and warehouses, draw inspiration from the clandestine nature of street art and graffiti. The atmosphere is electric, with a DJ spinning tracks, a lively crowd cheering, and a panel of judges scoring the work.” The paint battle winner is chosen based on how loud the crowd cheers for an artist. 

Blue’s collaboration with 7-Eleven and the debut party during Miami Art Week brought him back to his skating roots and celebrating with friends. The collection is available through 7-Eleven’s website.