Vancouver Draw Down 2011

The Vancouver Draw Down team developed a series of unique and exciting drawing events that took place at nine sites across the city of Vancouver this summer. Participants were invited to contribute in person or online to a range of drawing projects designed to challenge preconceptions about drawing and help people reconnect with the creative pleasure of making their mark. 

All of the Vancouver Draw Down drawing activities focused on the process and pleasure of drawing, rather than skill and technical ability. Participants were invited to suspend critical judgment and share their creativity in social settings using a range of drawing materials.

Samples of the work produced during the workshops were displayed at each of the participating sites and the galleries on this website. We maintained a blog, Facebook page and Twitter feed throughout the project. 

Check out our Creatures Gallery, Doodle Gallery, Faces Gallery and Pinprick Birds Gallery to see samples of our Draw Down activities along with detailed do-it-yourself instructions. 

The Vancouver Draw Down activities were developed and presented by a team of artists that included lead artists Elizabeth MacKenzie and Cindy Mochizuki and artist intern coordinator Kristina Fiedrich.

We also had a group of creative, energetic artist interns helping out. They were: Anita Bhatia, Neil Chung, Chloe Gammon, Maegan Harbridge, Jenny Hawkinson, Natalie Tillen, Madeleine Wynne and Xiaoyu Zhang.

The Vancouver Draw Down was inspired by The Big Draw, part of the UK-based Campaign for Drawing, an independent charity which raises the profile of drawing as a tool for thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement.