Draw On

DRAW ON at Expressiones! Two weeks of drawing-inspired activities in your community

Celebrate drawing from March 17 through March 31 at various locations participating as part of a regional Draw On! hub, then enjoy the exhibit of works by participants from all venues at the Norwich Arts Center from April 6 – 27.

Members of the community will draw on recycled materials such as paper, cardboard and old T-shirts. The group decided to choose recyclables as canvas in recognition of April being associated with concern for the environment. April 22 is Earth Day. It is also cost-effective allowing hosts to offer these events for free. Drawing implements and recyclables will be provided and recognized drawing talent is not necessary. One piece from each “artist” may be submitted for exhibition at the Norwich Arts Center. Opening Reception is April 6 from 6-8pm. All are welcome. Exhibit hours during the month of April are Wed.-Sat. 12-4pm. Support for the exhibit is provided by Dime Bank, Capik Creative Design Studio, Norwich Arts Centers’ Artists Cooperative, and i5 Teaching Network LLC.

Hosting organizations include: Expressiones Cultural Center, 84 Bank Street, New London -  Saturday, March 17 – 5-8pm open to all and includes an exhibit of Drop-in Learning Center student work; Norwich Arts Center Gallery, 60-64 Broadway, Norwich – Saturday, March 17, 12-4pm open to all, Cultural Club in Action and Norwich Public Schools after-school programs - Thursday, March 22, NPS students only; i5 Teaching Network LLC & Gales Ferry Community Center, GFCC,18 Hurlbutt Road - Saturday, March 24, 2 -5pm, open to all; Griswold Youth & Family Services & Capik Design Studio, GYFS, 39 Wedgewood, Slater Mill Plaza – Friday, March 30, 3-5pm, open to all; Kente Cultural Center, 219 Bank Street - Saturday, March 31, 1-3pm, open to students. All events are free!

Draw On! is a community festival introduced by The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in 2006 to bring together people of all ages through the simple act of drawing.  Innovative workshops and special events encourage participants to express themselves in new and imaginative ways. 

Last year Draw On! welcomed more than 11,500 people from all over the Northeast.  They attended drawing-related events in local libraries, schools, museums, senior centers, art guilds, local businesses, nature centers, historical societies, and recreation centers. 

This year attendance is expected to reach 13,000, with participating organizations to date in over 8 states.  In Connecticut there are participants in Ridgefield, Westport, Fairfield, Norwalk, Wilton, Newtown, Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, Stratford, and Danbury, all Fairfield County; as well as venues in Mystic, Old Lyme, Niantic, New London, Norwich, Gales Ferry, and Griswold.

For more information, please visit drawon.org. 

Draw On! is sponsored in part by The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum. Please visit the website (drawon.org) for a complete list of sponsors. The Southeastern Ct regional hub events are coordinated by i5 Teaching Network LLC of Gales Ferry. www.i5teachingnetwork.com  Questions may be addressed to info@i5teachingnetworkcom