Charlotte, please
welcome Dr. Sketchy!
He's
not a real doctor. It's not a real school. But if you love to draw and
if you are tired of lifeless life drawing classes, Dr. Sketchy may
have just the tonic you need!
The brainchild of artist Molly Crabapple,
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School opened in New York City in 2005. Crabapple spent several years modeling
for life drawing classes and had grown tired of "model as object."
Instead she wanted the model to be part of the process: glamorous,
wildly costumed and treated like rock stars or royalty. She wanted life
drawing classes to be lively, celebratory, imaginative, inspirational
and - dare we say it? - fun.
Think Paris. Think Moulin Rouge. Think Burlesque shows. Think Toulouse Lautrec.
Intrigued?
So was faux finishing artist extraordinaire (and Story Slam's
facilities manager) Bob Nulf, who read about "Dr. Sketchy" in an art
magazine. Artists waxed poetic about how refreshing it was to sit in
one of Molly's classes, where curves and tattoos were welcome and
celebrated, where artists tipped the model (who was very well paid),
and where contests livened up the process.
Dr. Sketchy's
Anti-Art School is in more than 100 cities, including Anchorage,
London, Tokyo, Paris, Singapore and Norfolk, Virginia.
Following a bit of correspondence with Molly, Bob got the OK to open
one here.
And what will Dr. Sketchy look
like in Charlotte? It will be "theatrical and fun," says Bob. "Our
February session will be Mardi Gras themed. I have lined up a gorgeous
model (Greta Zandstra, right, local artist and veteran of stage and life
drawing classes)." Also expect fabulous music, funky contests, and
prizes galore.
Affordability
is another big part of the vision. Admission is only $10.
Seating is limited to only 40 people per session. "On the chance we are
overwhelmed that first night we already have a make-up session
planned," Bob says.
While Mardi Gras was an obvious
choice for February, future themes include Goth
Night, Holiday Fantasy, Back to School, maybe even a tribute to Bettie
Page. As Bob says, eyes now twinkling, "the possibilities are endless."
Dr.
Sketchy's Anti-Art School Charlotte is Tuesday, Feb. 9, at Story Slam.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Class is 7-10 p.m. Bring your own supplies. No
photography allowed.
Tipping encouraged. Fun expected. Come join us and draw your heart out!