A Chance to Get Together and Draw

From a press release:

Who says drawing is only for artists? Ryman Arts doesn’t think so. This local nonprofit dedicated to fostering the artistic talent of today’s youth and emphasizing the importance of arts education is bringing The Big Draw LA to Los Angeles for the entire month of October.

This month-long, hands-on artistic celebration is comprised of more than 60 individual events hosted throughout Southern California, each of which encourages the public to come together and draw, regardless of age or skill level.

• In Venice at 10 a.m. Oct. 12 at Ánimo Venice Charter High School, rolls of paper will be available for drawing. See here for more information.

“The Big Draw LA was first launched in 2010 and encompasses much more than just drawing. This is a movement that affects the entire region of Los Angeles,” says Diane Brigham, executive director of Ryman Arts. “There has been an increased national focus on the idea of creative placemaking, and The Big Draw LA is well aligned with this concept. Through this series of events, we are encouraging community participation, inspiring creativity, and improving the vitality and vibrancy of our cities.”

The Big Draw LA will kick off on October 1 with a series of drawing activities hosted by community-based organizations throughout the region. For a full calendar of all featured events, visit the Big Draw LA’s website.

Events will be held in a variety of venues throughout the Los Angeles area, including parks, museums, and neighborhoods, as well as many other unique locations throughout the region. Many of The Big Draw LA events are free to the public, and participants are invited to attend scheduled events and/or host their own drawing events in celebration of this drawing movement.

“The public drawing events that make up The Big Draw LA cultivate social and cultural engagement by encouraging public dialogue and interaction,” explains Brigham.

“By creating an environment that is focused on arts engagement, The Big Draw LA provides the opportunity for all of us as a community to improve the physical and social character of our neighborhoods.”

The Big Draw LA is linked to the worldwide Big Draw initiative, which spans more than 22 countries hosting events during the month of October. This global movement encourages visual literacy and demonstrates the concept that drawing is for everyone.

Since its inception in 1990, Ryman Arts has engaged over 4,500 SouthernCalifornia teens in its core 18-month studio program. This vibrant community of culturally diverse teens comes from over 150 neighborhoods across the region.