Wirral Arts: The Big Draw returns to the Williamson Gallery this weekend

Oct 7 2009 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

Wirral Arts: The Big Draw returns to the Williamson Gallery this weekend

THE Big Draw is returning to Birkenhead on Sunday, as the campaign enters its 10th anniversary year.

Williamson Art Gallery will host the nationwide event, aimed at encouraging as many people as possible to engage with art in gallery and museum settings.

Between 11am and 4pm on Sunday, October 11, all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join a collection of professional and serious amateur artists for a day of fun and art.

Marie Mairs is organising the event, one of a thousand going on throughout the UK. She said: “The day is planned to be exciting, with a wide range of artists from across Merseyside involved.

“The materials are free for the public to use and have been donated by the Williamson, Oxton Artists and many of those involved.

“There will be artists working throughout the gallery using everything from pencils and charcoal, to hot wax and slide projectors, with experimental drawing alongside more traditional techniques.”

Marie has invited 12 different artists to run six workshops throughout the day.

She said: “It’s a good starting point and the event will be much bigger this year.”

The Big Draw is an initiative of the Campaign for Drawing.

Launched in 2000 by the Guild of St George, a small charity founded by John Ruskin, the campaign aims to raise the profile of drawing as a tool for thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement.

l The Big Draw takes place at the Williamson Gallery, Slatey Road, Prenton this Sunday October 11, between 11am and 4pm. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.