The Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College, in partnership with many educational organizations and businesses throughout the region, presents The Big Draw – Grand Traverse. This series of events in October 2014 will put the Grand Traverse Region on the global scene as a participant in the annual Big Draw.
An impressive collection of organizations in the Grand Traverse Region are working together for the first ever Big Draw – Grand Traverse, offering a calendar of arts events for all ages and abilities. Partners include the Dennos Museum Center, Artcenter Traverse City, Blackbird Arts, SCRAP TC, Oliver Art Center, NMC Art Club, NMC Extended Education Services, SEEDS, Grass River Natural Area, Art Rapids!, Jordan River Arts Council, and Grand Traverse Conservation District, with events happening at several venues as well as local schools.
The Big Draw – Grand Traverse is supported by The Linda O’Meara Fund for Arts Education.
For a listing of events by date and by age group, visit dennosmuseum.org/big-draw.
What is the Big Draw?
The Big Draw, hosted by the Campaign for Drawing, happens across the United Kingdom and in twenty other countries, with 280,000 people expected to join in over 1000+ events. The Big Draw offers thousands of enjoyable, and mainly free, drawing activities which connect people of all ages with museums, outdoor spaces, artists, designers, illustrators – and each other. These events are for those who love to draw, as well as for those who think they can’t!
The Campaign for Drawing is an independent charity launched in 2000 by the Guild of St George to commemorate its founder, the great Victorian writer, philosopher and artist, John Ruskin. The Campaign raises the profile of drawing as a tool for thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement, creating a new regard for the value of drawing to help people see, think, invent and take action.
The Big Draw – Grand Traverse Events Calendar
Events are free unless otherwise noted.
Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16
So You Think You Can Draw?
7:00 – 9:00pm
Right Brain Brewery, Traverse City
Join in the fun and win prizes during Pictionary-style drawing games, presented by Artcenter Traverse City. Teams of 5-7 people will compete in three rounds of competition over three weeks. Entry must be paid on October 2 to compete in all rounds. The final round will take place October 16, with prizes awarded to the winner. Ages 21+. A $25 fee will be charged per team.
Saturday, October 4
BIG DRAW DAY
10:00am – 5:00pm
Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City
Free admission thanks to The Linda O’Meara Fund for Arts Education
Visit the Dennos Museum Center to celebrate drawing! Organizations from around the region are participating in this year’s Big Draw, a world-wide program of events during the month of October. Activities for all ages and abilities will be presented throughout the day. Events will include a presentation with comic book artist Jerry DeCaire, a dance performance from the NMC Dance Ensemble, and interactive drawing stations.
During Big Draw Day, children ages 4-12 are invited to draw in response to questions about keeping the Earth clean as part of this year’s theme, It’s Our World. Five local artists will each choose one drawing created by a young visitor to incorporate and recreate in the medium of their choice for The Big Draw Exhibition, November 2, 2014 – January 4, 2015. Other drawings will be included in a digital slideshow during the exhibition.
Sunday, October 5
Superhero Drawing Workshop with Jerry DeCaire, Mavel Comic Book Artist
1:00 – 4:00pm
Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City
This 3 hour workshop will provide participants with a live and entertaining demonstration of the artist’s methods for drawing a superhero, with focus on geometric shapes and human anatomy. Participants will be guided by the artist in the creation of their own superheroes! The workshop will also provide insight into the process of inking and coloring. Great for those who want to learn the basics or improve their skills.
Ages 12 and up. Registration is $25 for members of Artcenter TC or Dennos Museum Center, and $35 for non-members. Please call Artcenter Traverse City at 231-941-9488 or visit http://artcentertraversecity.org/ to register.
October 6 – 10
JRAC in the School
Jordan River Arts Council representatives will work in four high schools in Antrim and Charlevoix counties during the first week of The Big Draw – Grand Traverse, inviting students to contribute to a large group drawing.
October 6-10
SEEDS Afterschool Big Draw Week – Kalkaska
Kalkaska students and their families will be drawing during SEEDS programs throughout the week. This will be a community-wide event in collaboration with the Kalkaska County Library.
Monday, October 6
Blackbird Arts and Art Rapids!
4:00 – 6:00pm
Walk of Art, Elk Rapids
Take a tour through the Elk Rapids Walk of Art Sculpture Park and explore a variety of fun drawing materials–from watercolor pencils to vine charcoal! Blackbird Arts’ teaching artists will guide children and adults in unique drawing exercises to help people of all ages uncover the joy of drawing in nature. No experience necessary and all abilities are welcome.
Tuesday, October 7
SCRAP TC Tuesday Craft Night: Tangles Abstract Drawings
6:00 – 8:00pm
SCRAP TC, Traverse City
Explore the creative world of Tangles abstract drawing. Let your mind go & your creativity flow. Tangles are abstract drawings using patterns created in black ink on white paper. Have fun creating different textures and patterns. There’s no up or down, or right or wrong. All ages & abilities welcome. Supplies will be provided. Cost: $5, to cover supplies. Proceeds to benefit SCRAP TC, 501(c)(3).
Thursday, October 9
NMC Art Club Game Show!
5:00 – 8:00pm
Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City
NMC Art Club invites NMC students and student groups to be contestants in a drawing game show, similar to popular board games and TV shows. Each participant will compete for the chance to win some great prizes. Pizza and refreshments will be provided by NMC Residence Life.
October 10
Benzie County Mini-Big Draw Reception
5:00 – 7:00pm
Oliver Art Center, Frankfort
Alongside the stunning painting exhibition “Friendship and Light,” Oliver Art Center will present drawings of fish and aquatic habitats that were made by students in Frankfort and Benzie County Schools. Some of the drawings will be presented in larger ‘tapestries,’ and interpretive materials about local habitats will be on display. A drawing station will be set up for anyone of any age who feels inspired and wants to participate. Join Oliver Art Center for a festive opening reception from 5:00 to 7:00pm on October 10 to see great art celebrating Michigan! The exhibition is open daily until November 7; Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm; and Saturday – Sunday, Noon – 4pm. Free of admission.
Saturday, October 11
“Dive into Drawing” Aquatic Habitats
11am – 3pm
Oliver Art Center, Frankfort
Artists big and small can join the Oliver Art Center in another day-long celebration of The Big Draw – Grand Traverse. With fish, crayfish, and cool aquatic habitats as inspiration, draw with a variety of materials and learn about the important salmon and trout season in Frankfort through displays and presentations by local fish hatchery biologist Heather Hettinger. Attendance is free, and all materials will be provided by Oliver Art Center. Drawing will be continuous throughout the day and presentations will be held periodically from 11:30 until close. This event is perfect for beginners and families with children. Visit http://oliverartcenterfrankfort.org/event-registration?ee=186 to pre-register.
Saturday, October 11
Everyone Can Be a Grateful Artist, Every Day With Elizabeth Abeel
4:00 – 6:30pm
Oliver Art Center
Wine included in price of admission
Over her decades of experience proving everyone wrong who ever said, “I can’t draw and will never be an artist,” Elizabeth Abeel developed a unique and fun system to build confidence and keep beginners engaging their creative selves. Called “The Grateful Artist Workshop,” her process is based on a combination daily drawing journal-sketchbook that she designed, produced, and packaged for people like you to use. The focus is on drawing and ‘small steps’ that do not require any prior experience. Like her popular class, “Everyone is an Artist,” The Grateful Artist Workshop is about believing that self-expression and inspiration belong to everyone. Come discover your potential in a very supportive environment with other “non-artists” over a glass of wine, and get started working on it right away with her help. This is a great way to ensure you have an engaging and meaningful project underway before first snow falls!
Elizabeth Abeel is an award winning batik artist, teacher and creativity workshop leader. For over 20 years, she has been a part of NMC’s extended ED program and guided numerous students to discover the artist within. She and her daughter Samantha Abeel, author of Reach for the Moon and My Thirteenth Winter have led numerous creativity workshops throughout the country. To learn more about her and her work as a batik artist, visit the www.thegratefulartist.com.
$65 ($60 Members) Price includes the journal-sketchbook, a $25 retail value, and 2 complimentary glasses of red or white wine. Register at http://oliverartcenterfrankfort.org/event-registration?ee=184.
October 13 – 17
SEEDS Afterschool Big Draw Week – Mesick
Mesick students and their families will be drawing during SEEDS programs throughout the week.
Tuesday, October 14
Caricature Drawing Workshop with artist, Ryan Lee
6:00 – 8:00pm
SCRAP TC, Traverse City
Join local artist Ryan Lee for an evening workshop focused on the art of caricatures. Have you wanted to learn the basics of caricature drawing? Ryan will demonstrate his unique style of caricature drawing and guide you through the basic techniques. He’ll also provide tips to help you develop your skills. Beginners are welcome. This will be a fun evening to explore your creativity. Register at scraptc.org.
Cost: $5/person, covers drawing supplies. Supplies are included, but if you have particular drawing supplies you like to work with bring them along. Please plan on arriving around 5:45pm to check-in and get situated. Proceeds to benefit SCRAP TC, 501(c)(3).
Workshop capacity: 15 people, age 9 or older. All participants under age 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Visit http://www.thenaturalscomic.com/to see Ryan’s work.
Thursday, October 16
Nature Drawing at the Grand Traverse Conservation District
4:30 – 7:00pm
Boardman River Nature Center, Traverse City
Join Blackbird Arts and the Grand Traverse Conservation District for an exciting after school event to explore what lives in our backyards—and then experiment with a variety of art materials to learn to draw them! Join Grand Traverse Conservation District experts at the Boardman River Nature Center to collect nature samples. We’ll have magnifying glasses to discover the cool crawlies that live in nature and a teaching artist to guide you in some unique drawings. All ages and abilities welcome.
Thursday, October 16
AIGA No Agenda: Networking Night with SCRAP TC
6:00 – 8:00pm
Rare Bird Brewery, Traverse City
Have fun networking and drawing. We’re bringing the Big Draw to our networking night. SCRAP TC will supply drawing supplies and we’ll be working on collaborative drawings. The collaborative drawings will be displayed at the end of the night.
Saturday, October 18
1:00 – 3:00pm
Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire
Join Grass River for the Big Draw during their popular annual Autumn Fest. There will be haunted hikes, pumpkins, art, and crafts. Fun for the whole family.
October 20-24
SEEDS Afterschool Big Draw Week – Brethren
Brethren students and their families will be drawing during SEEDS programs throughout the week.
Monday, October 20
NMC Art Club Sketching Station
Noon – 2:00pm
NMC Main Campus, Traverse City
Need a creative break in between classes? NMC Art Club will have a table with various drawing materials for NMC students to explore. Try your hand at line drawing, blindfolded sketches, or just doodle!
Tuesday, October 21
Pints & Pencils
6:30 – 8:30pm
The Little Fleet, Traverse City
Join Blackbird Arts at The Little Fleet in Traverse City for The Big Draw! Grab a pint and settle in for a raucous drawing game of The Exquisite Corpse—with a twist. You’ll be startled, awed, and amused at the artistic outcome. No drawing experience necessary and all materials are included.
Tuesday, October 21
SCRAP TC Tuesday Craft Night: Open Studio Night
6:00 – 8:00pm
SCRAP TC, Traverse City
Leave the mess at home and join us at our open studio night. We’ll continue our focus on the Big Draw and encourage creative drawing projects. Use our space to continue to work on a project or start something new. Start a collaborative drawing with other creative folks. Finish a tangle abstract drawing. Try a new drawing technique or simply bounce ideas off other creative minds. Experiment with several different drawing tools, which will be supplied. A $5 donation is encouraged to cover supplies. Proceeds to benefit SCRAP TC, 501(c)(3).
Tuesday, October 28
Illustrated Instruments
4:30 – 7:00pm
Blackbird Arts, Traverse City
Help us create an interactive sound mural! We’re taking old, tossed-aside instruments and turning them into lively works of art. If you’ve never drawn on a drum or graffitied a guitar, now is your chance! All ages and abilities welcome.
Tuesday, October 28
SCRAP TC Tuesday Craft Night: Open Studio Night
6:00 – 8:00pm
SCRAP TC, Traverse City
Leave the mess at home and join us at our open studio night. We’ll continue our focus on the Big Draw and encourage creative drawing projects. Use our space to continue to work on a project or start something new. Start a collaborative drawing with other creative folks. Finish a tangle abstract drawing. Try a new drawing technique or simply bounce ideas off other creative minds. Experiment with several different drawing tools, which will be supplied. A $5 donation is encouraged to cover supplies. Proceeds to benefit SCRAP TC, 501(c)(3).
Friday, October 31
Trick-or-Treat-or-Draw
Noon – 5:00pm
Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City
Looking for some additional goodies while trick-or-treating? Stop by The Dennos Museum Center to show off your costume and pick up some Big Draw themed prizes. All ages welcome. No charge for trick-or-treating, but admission will apply for entry to the galleries: $4 for children ages 3-12, $6 for adults 13+. Free for members and NMC students.
Saturday, November 1
IT’S OUR WORLD: Artists Inspired by Children’s Visions of the Future
Opening Reception
3:00 – 5:00pm
Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City
As the closing celebration for The Big Draw – Grand Traverse, the Dennos Museum Center will host an exhibition featuring five local artists inspired by a child’s artwork. Each artist will choose one drawing created by a young visitor during Big Draw Day, October 4, 2014, to incorporate and recreate in the medium of their choice while keeping the child’s original concept and line drawing in place. Children ages 4-12 will be drawing in response to questions about keeping the Earth clean, as part of this year’s Big Draw theme, It’s Our World. From November 1, 2014 to January 4, 2015, the exhibition will feature the five artists’ interpretations, the five original drawings from the children, and a digital slideshow of various drawings and events that take place as part of The Big Draw – Grand Traverse.
Each child chosen for the exhibition will receive a high-resolution reproduction of the artist’s rendition.
The exhibition is supported by The Linda O’Meara Fund for Arts Education.