Tempe Center for the Arts is hosting its Draw-A-Thon event on Saturday, June 24.
Michelle Dock, senior visual arts curator for the center’s gallery, said the theme of the family-friendly program mirrors the motif for the current exhibition.
“This summer we’re doing ‘Hear Me, See Me,’ which is a juried exhibition of Arizona artists. It’s all about self-expression and how artists are really great problem solvers and communicators to tell their own stories or to tell stories about other people,” she said.
The free event for all ages is from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. at the center. It offers a chance for people to draw alongside professional artists, experiment with new drawing tools and learn about innovative art technologies.
Later in the evening, the center will host the free Drag & Draw event from 6-9 p.m.
It’s an adult experience that blends art and drag, according to Dock.
“Drag is a really entertaining and beautiful way of people expressing their true selves, and so we wanted to do ‘Drag & Draw.’ We talked to Phoenix Pride. They helped us locate a couple of local drag performers that were willing to come and be the models for the evening,” she said.
The event for ages 18 and older is also connected to the current exhibit at the gallery.
Dock said it’s often difficult for artists to afford to hire live models for drawing sessions, and so this event facilitates that in a fun way as performers will wear multiple costumes patrons can render.
