Grab a marker and make your mark. PHOTO COURTESY DEBRA MORRISON
Sharpen up your pencils, count your crayons and make sure your pens haven’t dried up – Big Draw L.A. returns this month. What is a Big Draw? It’s a month-long series of events organized by Ryman Arts since 2010. One of the great things about this program is that you don’t have to be a certain age, or even have drawing skills, to participate. It is all about being part of a group effort and exploring your creativity.
Big Draw happenings will occur across the L.A. area in a variety of venues. Many libraries and community centers will be hosting events, and will be popular places for families. The Zimmer Museum will have an open art studio at 3 p.m. Tuesdays throughout the month. The Fowler Museum’s Kids in The Courtyard Oct. 12 will be tied in with the Big Draw, as kids learn how textiles can tell a story and use yarn and silly string to create a big collaborative artwork. On Oct. 25, the Santa Monica Museum of Art will conduct an all-ages workshop where participants make picket signs and explore the transformative power of art.
One of the Big Draw centerpiece events will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 11 at Grand Park. The public is invited to “Make Your Mark In The Park” by painting on a huge Sumi Ink Drawing, constructing a Thaumatrope (an optical illusion toy popular in the 19th century) or getting involved in other projects. Another big Big Draw event is the Los Angeles Carnival & Parade Oct. 19, which will make for a colorful sight as artists, musicians, dancers and other performers strut their stuff on Sepulveda Boulevard between Manchester and La Tijera boulevards (participants must register in advance).
Many Big Draw events are for family and kids, but some are for adults. Check www.thebigdrawla.org for further details. In the meantime, get ready to draw.
