The Big Draw

Arist Mario Schambon looks on as visitors investigate his artwork.

Today's guest blogger is Laura Hennighausen. (Her last name is German for "house of Henry".) She's been with the Garden for two years, and works in education. She is our resident expert in art and fashion. Who else styles their bright green Moore in America t-shirt with an adorable cropped yellow cardigan? Alas, I digress... Here is Laura's wonderful post all about THE BIG DRAW:

Volunteer Jimmy Dills demonstrates ways to draw with multimedia.

Drawing and painting are often activities adults view as enterprises best reserved for those with training or that ‘natural’ talent few seem to possess. What happened to the days of intricate finger-painting and underappreciated yet dedicated murals drawn on the dining room wall? Art used to be an equal-opportunity fun fest...and that’s what we are striving to resurrect with The Big Draw, a once-a-month event thoughout the Moore in America exhibition.

The Big Draw began in the UK 10 years ago as an event to encourage people of all ages and skill levels to pick up a pencil, paintbrush, stick, anything and start drawing. Kew Gardens held their own Big Draw event during their time with the Henry Moore exhibition and we felt it was a natural fit for us at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This Saturday, September 19th as well as Saturday, October 17th (International Big Draw Month!) we are offering $2 off admission to anyone who comes to the garden with art supplies. From 10am-1pm visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a chalk mural, a paper mural, create a colorful interpretation of some of Moore’s sculptures and create a multi-media masterpiece. Several guest artists will be working throughout the Garden to inspire and answer any questions.

Volunteer Tammy Bezona helps visitors add to a large mural that will be
displayed at October’s pin-up show.

In October in honor of the Big Draw’s ten year anniversary, artists of all kinds will also be invited to participate in a Pin-Up show the day of October 17th. Artwork made during the Big Draw will have the chance to be displayed for all to see in a temporary outdoor display overlooking Moore’s sculptures. What better excuse to break out those stick figures and hand turkeys?

Volunteer Polly Sanders assists children in coloring their
interpretations of Moore’s work as Large Reclining Figure looks on.