Dr. Sketchy's--Akron

Last month's model Nina Bellina posing for artists

 photo courtesy of Mark at Eye Teaze https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eye-Teaze/289733257711027

Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School
by Joanna Wilson

When we hear the word 'art,' many of us think of museums or galleries.  Art is the stuff that passively hangs on walls or sits on shelves.  Recently, I was reminded that art is also a word that refers to an activity: making something, doing something and creating.  By attending Dr. Sketchy's event last month, I was able to experience something new--an opportunity to create rather than just observe what others had created.

May's event was held at The Lounge in downtown Akron

 photo by Emily Speelman http://www.facebook.com/EmilySpeelmanPhotography

Don't get me wrong, I love museums and galleries but this is another thing altogether.  Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School is an opportunity to come together with other like-minded individuals, in a relaxed setting, to do life drawings with a live model.  From the website: "Created in New York City by artist Molly Crabapple, and expanded to over 110 branches worldwide including London, Rome, Tokyo, Paris, Sao Paulo and Melbourne. Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School is the world's premier alt-drawing movement where artists draw glamorous underground performers in an atmosphere of boozy conviviality, compete in contests, and win booze and prizes."  Akron's Dr. Sketchy's is run by Bill 'The Dr.' Lynn who not only hosts the events but serves as the evening's emcee.

Last month's event had a theme: pin-up girls.

Last month's model was Nina Bellina and she was there to evoke the month's theme: pin-up girls.  There were quick warm-up sketches followed by several longer opportunities for extended drawings with different poses.  There are also informal competitions with prizes from sponsors!  How awesome is that?  If I remember correctly, one of the challenges was a continuous line drawing and another was a conceptual drawing.  One of the winners received a free round of drinks!

One of last month's participants making a charcoal sketch

photo by Emily Speelman http://www.facebook.com/EmilySpeelmanPhotography

What I loved about it was the atmosphere.  A room full of participants came together in a bar with a live deejay spinning contemporary music.  It is a very informal, comfortable setting.  Both men and women participate, bringing their own sketch pads (both large and small), using all sorts of implements including pens, pencils, charcoals, pastels, whatever they wanted.  Some people in the room were experienced artists--I've heard that illustrators, designers, tattoo artists and the like often attend.  But this is certainly a relaxed environment for beginners as well.  If you have no previous experience at life drawing, this would be the ideal place to jump in and try something new.  Dr. Sketchy's is a judgement-free event.

Dr. Sketchy's--Akron is holding their next event on Tuesday, June 12 at 7:30pm at the Red Light Gallery, 111 North Main St. Akron, OH (above Northside & Luigi's).  It costs $10 at the door.  Playing off the history of the Red Light Gallery, this month's theme: A Night at the Brothel.  There will be two models using two rooms.  Are you up for the challenge?

For more details: www.DrSketchyAkron.com
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrSketchyAkron
twitter: http://twitter.com/drsketchyakron