A MESSY, fun day of arty activities is on offer this weekend at this year’s Big Draw event at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.
The free event on Saturday (October 19) offers visitors the chance to draw, paint, print and play while exploring the gallery’s latest exhibition, The Printed Line.
The Big Draw features art activities based on the exhibition, which includes works from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and David Hockney.
From water-marbling inspired by Bridgit Skiold to etching celebrating the work of Derrick Greaves, the event encourages visitors to experiment with new styles and techniques.
Younger children can use messy play trays to draw, paint and print with materials including wooden blocks, plastic bricks and forks.
A foam printing workshop gives visitors the chance to contribute to a large collaborative piece in the venue’s foyer, while art collective Alchemy hosts a flag-making workshop in the Floor One Gallery inspired by its new exhibition, Vaguely Nelson and Other Works.
The Big Draw also includes a giant floor-based Spirograph drawing session and a celebration of Simon Patterson’s The Great Bear, an alternative version of the iconic London Underground map which features in The Printed Line.
During the event, visitors can take a strip of electrical tape on arrival and help extend Patterson’s map on to the gallery’s floor.
And illustrator Emily Honey brings her Doodle Station to The Big Draw, encouraging visitors to delight in doodling and create a work of art to take home.
Coun Jill Simpson-Vince, Rugby Borough Council’s growth and investment spokeswoman, said: “The Big Draw caters for artists of all ages and abilities, so it’s a great opportunity to explore Rugby Art Gallery and Museum and get creative.”
Now in its 19th year, The Big Draw has established itself as the world’s biggest drawing festival and promotes visual literacy and drawing as a tool for learning, expression and invention.
The Big Draw runs at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum from 11am to 3pm, with all sessions free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Printed Line runs at the art gallery until Saturday November 9, while Alchemy’s Vaguely Nelson and Other Work runs in the Floor One Gallery from Saturday October 12 to Wednesday October 23.
Visit www.ragm.co.uk for more information about events and exhibitions at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.
