Beneath most paintings, sculptures and architecture, there lies a drawing. Drawing is more than an artistic mode; it’s a fundamental human language dating back to when we scratched outlines of animals on cave walls.
It’s also the reason for an all-night meetup in New Orleans of accomplished artists, students, kids and those who just like to push a pencil across a pad from time to time. The annual Draw-a-thon is a 24-hour festival dedicated to sketching, shading, crosshatching, cartooning and even doodling.
There’s no fundraiser or tickets, and participation is open to the public. It’s art for art’s sake.
Draw-a-thon emerged from the post-Hurricane Katrina recovery period, when the storm-scattered artists sought a way to recapture their sense of community in New Orleans. Stretching the activity overnight made it feel like more of a special bonding experience.
A group of visitors draws on a single long piece of paper during the 11th annual 24-hour Draw-A-Thon.
Co-founder Susan Gisleson said that drawing together at that time produced a sort of catharsis. “Things were so out of control,” she said, “but with a pencil in your hand, at least you felt like you could control what you’re doing.”
One of the best features of the event are the paper-coated walls of the venue, where everyone is welcome to make their mark.
“It satisfies that primitive urge of drawing on the wall,” Gisleson said. “After 24 hours, you have thousands of drawings in this blind collaboration between hundreds of artists.”
The all-star lineup of artists leading drawing sessions includes Hannah Chalew, Stan Danley, Chris Deris, Angela Driscoll, Courtney Egan, James Goedert, Laura Gipson, Kenny Harrison, Kourtney Keller, Chris Leaux, Caesar Meadows, Jackie Sumell, Francis Wong and others. Charcoal master Ron Bechet is scheduled to lead an adult figure drawing class from 10 p.m. to midnight.
Artist Ron Bechet says that he’s come to believe that black and white drawings are sometimes even more ‘colorful’ than full-color renederings. Bechet’s exhibit ‘From the Storms of Our Souls,’ at the Contemporary Arts Center, is a career landmark for the well-known artist/educator.
This year’s Draw-a-thon takes place at the picturesque Marigny Opera House, at 725 St. Ferdinand St., starting at noon on Saturday through noon Sunday. Participants can drop in anytime. The event is free and art supplies are provided.
