Big Draw Unleashes the Artists Within

Laurie KenneyMay 1, 20153min
The Big Draw

On April 25, the Friends of the Davison Art Center presented The Big Draw: Middletown, a community celebration of drawing and workshops for all skill levels, from beginning drawers to accomplished artists, at locations across Wesleyan. Facilitated by Wesleyan art professors and students, and sponsored by the Middletown Commission on the Arts and nine local businesses, the fourth annual free event attracted more than 300 participants from almost 40 towns. (Photos by Mariah Reisner ’04 MA ’07 and Tessa Houstoun ’17)

The Big Draw
Face painting was one of many activities offered at The Big Draw.

The Big Draw
A sunny day meant time for both indoor and outdoor painting.
The Big Draw
Japanese Sumi-e ink drawing, taught by Wesleyan artist-in-residence Keiji Shinohara (center), was one of several classes held during the event.
The Big Draw
Artists of all ages connected with the natural world, drawing an array of objects, including skulls, shells, and taxidermied animals, in an elaborate still life.
The Big Draw
More than 300 people from 40 towns took part in the event.
The Big Draw
A young artist tries his hand at Japanese Sumi-e ink drawing.