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The Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College, in partnership with many educational organizations and businesses throughout the region, presents The Big Draw \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
An impressive collection of organizations in the Grand Traverse Region are working together for the first ever Big Draw \u2013 Grand Traverse<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Big Draw \u2013 Grand Traverse is supported by The Linda O\u2019Meara Fund for Arts Education.<\/p>\n For a listing of events by date and by age group, visit dennosmuseum.org\/big-draw<\/a>.<\/p>\n What is the Big Draw?<\/strong><\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Big Draw \u2013 Grand Traverse Events Calendar<\/strong><\/p>\n Events are free unless otherwise noted.<\/strong><\/p>\n Thursdays, October 2<\/span>, 9, 16<\/strong><\/p>\n So You Think You Can Draw?<\/strong><\/p>\n 7:00 \u2013 9:00pm<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Right Brain Brewery, Traverse City<\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/span> to compete in all rounds. The final round will take place October 16<\/span>, with prizes awarded to the winner. Ages 21+. A $25 fee will be charged per team.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Saturday, October 4<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n BIG DRAW DAY<\/strong><\/p>\n 10:00am \u2013 5:00pm<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City<\/strong><\/p>\n Free admission thanks to The Linda O\u2019Meara Fund for Arts Education<\/strong><\/p>\n Visit the Dennos Museum Center to celebrate drawing! Organizations from around the region are participating in this year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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\u2019s theme, It\u2019s Our World<\/em><\/strong>. 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 \u2013 January 4, 2015<\/span>. Other drawings will be included in a digital slideshow during the exhibition.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Sunday, October 5<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Superhero Drawing Workshop with Jerry DeCaire, Mavel Comic Book Artist<\/strong><\/p>\n 1:00 \u2013 4:00pm<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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<\/a> or visit <\/em><\/strong>http:\/\/artcentertraversecity.org\/<\/em><\/strong><\/a> to register.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n October 6 \u2013 10<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n JRAC in the School<\/strong><\/p>\n Jordan River Arts Council representatives will work in four high schools in Antrim and Charlevoix counties during the first week of The Big Draw \u2013 Grand Traverse, inviting students to contribute to a large group drawing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n October 6-10<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n SEEDS Afterschool Big Draw Week \u2013 Kalkaska<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Monday, October 6<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Blackbird Arts and Art Rapids! <\/strong><\/p>\n 4:00 \u2013 6:00pm<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Walk of Art, Elk Rapids<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Tuesday, October 7<\/strong><\/p>\n SCRAP TC\u00a0Tuesday<\/span>\u00a0Craft Night: Tangles Abstract Drawings<\/strong><\/p>\n 6:00 \u2013 8:00pm<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n SCRAP TC, Traverse City<\/strong><\/p>\n 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).<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Thursday, October 9<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n NMC Art Club Game Show!<\/strong><\/p>\n 5:00 \u2013 8:00pm<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n October 10<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Benzie County Mini-Big Draw Reception<\/strong><\/p>\n 5:00 \u2013 7:00pm<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Oliver Art Center, Frankfort<\/strong><\/p>\n Alongside the stunning painting exhibition \u201cFriendship and Light,\u201d 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 \u2018tapestries,\u2019 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<\/span> to see great art celebrating Michigan! The exhibition is open daily until November 7<\/span>; Monday<\/span> \u2013 Friday, 10am \u2013 4pm; and Saturday<\/span> \u2013 Sunday, Noon \u2013 4pm<\/span>. Free of admission.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Saturday, October 11<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cDive into Drawing\u201d Aquatic Habitats <\/strong><\/p>\n 11am \u2013 3pm<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Oliver Art Center, Frankfort<\/strong><\/p>\n Artists big and small can join the Oliver Art Center in another day-long celebration of The Big Draw \u2013 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<\/span> until close. This event is perfect for beginners and families with children. Visit http:\/\/oliverartcenterfrankfort.org\/event-registration?ee=186<\/a> to pre-register.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Saturday, October 11<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Everyone Can Be a Grateful Artist, Every Day With Elizabeth Abeel<\/strong><\/p>\n 4:00 \u2013 6:30pm<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Oliver Art Center<\/strong><\/p>\n Wine included in price of admission<\/strong><\/p>\n Over her decades of experience proving everyone wrong who ever said, \u201cI can\u2019t draw and will never be an artist,\u201d Elizabeth Abeel developed a unique and fun system to build confidence and keep beginners engaging their creative selves. Called \u201cThe Grateful Artist Workshop,\u201d 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 \u201cnon-artists\u201d 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!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Elizabeth Abeel is an award winning batik artist, teacher and creativity workshop leader. For over 20 years, she has been a part of NMC\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $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<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n October 13 \u2013 17<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n SEEDS Afterschool Big Draw Week \u2013 Mesick<\/strong><\/p>\n Mesick students and their families will be drawing during SEEDS programs throughout the week.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tuesday, October 14<\/strong><\/p>\n Caricature Drawing Workshop with artist, Ryan Lee<\/strong><\/p>\n 6:00 \u2013 8:00pm<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n SCRAP TC, Traverse City<\/strong><\/p>\n Join local artist Ryan Lee for an evening workshop focused on the art of caricatures.\u00a0Have 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.\u00a0He’ll also provide tips to help you develop your skills.\u00a0Beginners are welcome. This will be a fun evening to explore your creativity. Register at scraptc.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cost:\u00a0$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\u00a05:45pm<\/span>\u00a0to check-in and get situated. Proceeds to benefit SCRAP TC, 501(c)(3).<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n