PREVIEW:Dr Sketchy's Comes to Derry

The movement was created by artists Molly Crabapple and A. V. Phibes in a dive bar in Brooklyn New York, with the aim of taking art out of the classroom and adding glamour in the form of burlesque babes, roller derby girls, drag queens, fetish models and also dancers.

Dr. Sketchy’s has truly blossomed and can now be found in over 100 cities throughout the world, with Sandinos the new home to the North West’s first Dr. Sketchy’s Anti Art movement.

The monthly event will be hosted by Derry branch founder Stephanie Gaumond, who describes herself as ‘artist and lover of all things eccentric’ and promises an evening of art, games, prizes, drinking and great craic. “When many artists think life drawing, they think of sterile rooms, bad lighting, and bored, silent, models with nary a hint of personality. Dr. Sketchy’s Anti- Art School is here to change all that” she says.

“The idea to bring Dr. Sketchy Anti-Art School here was quite simple in that I was looking to go to a Dr. Sketchy’s event because I am fairly new in town and it is something that I enjoy going to because I tend to meet a lot of great people at them. I’ve been to Dr. Sketchy’s events in two other cities in different parts of the world and have found them to be great fun filled with wonderful people. When I saw that there wasn’t a branch here, I thought I might start one up myself” Stephanie told Derry Live List.

“The main website (which is worth checking out, www. drsketchy. com) has a link to start your own branch, so I filled out a written application, presented references and then was interviewed with Molly Crabapple” (founder of the Dr. Sketchy’s empire) she says.

“I’ve had a good amount of interest so far and it has been very positive. The folks who have been to a Dr. Sketchy’s event elsewhere tend to be the most excited simply because they understand what the events are (which she says are kind of hard to explain), but I’ve had a lot of excitement from artists who are up for a life drawing event that’s less academic and more ridiculous.”

Dr. Sketchy’s welcomes all calibre of artists, ranging in technical ability... there’s no discrimination here. But can we really expect from Derry’s first Dr. Sketchy’s night? “Everyone can expect to bring their favourite medium (charcoal, pencil, watercolour, or even a digital drawing device is welcome she tells me) and sip drinks while the costumed life model does timed poses. In this way, it’s like any other classical life drawing class.

There will be a variety of poses starting from multiple one minute poses to up to possibly twenty minute poses. In between the poses we will have a variety of ridiculous prizes for the best, worst, funniest, and most creative drawings during the poses. The most technically accurate drawings are rarely the winners. It’s just a night to indulge in some creativity and good company in a non judgemental atmosphere. If you haven’t drawn from life before this is the best way to give it a try!”

So come May 17, grab your pencil (or charcoal, or tablet...) and make your way to Sandinos for what will undoubtedly be an evening to remember.