Ever wondered what 20 artists drawing monsters simultaneously from scratch would look like? On Saturday, the annual Monster Drawing Rally will take place at 1708 Gallery, giving Richmond the chance to witness that very spectacle.
Ever wondered what 20 artists drawing monsters simultaneously from scratch would look like? On Saturday, the annual Monster Drawing Rally will take place at 1708 Gallery, giving Richmond the chance to witness that very spectacle. The rally will consist of three hour-long shifts in which 20 artists will work simultaneously on completing their monster drawings. After they finish, the completed works will go on sale for $65 apiece.
The artists involved each approach their task differently—-some come in with an already finished drawing, some do studies and then a final drawing, and some whip out ten in one hour, creating a diverse, energetic atmosphere. Featured artists will include Hamilton Glass, Michael-Birch Pierce, Jacob Eveland, Chris Milk, and many more.
“The artists represent a really great cross-section; there’s undergrads who are participating as well as some more established artists in town, so it’s a very even playing field and very democratic in that way,” says Emily Smith, executive director of 1708. A complete list of participating artists can be found here.
1708 is responsible for such events as Inlight, which has been an annual event for several years, as well as exhibitions and artist talks. The Monster Drawing Rally has been an event five years running, with all of the money made from drawing sales going directly to benefit general operations at 1708.
Hardywood beer, wine, and Lamplighter coffee and lunch will be sold at the event. Activities for kids will also be available–namely the giant chalkboard wall at the front of the gallery, supplying ample artistic output for young art-lovers. “For the kids that come through, the experience of seeing something created in front of you is pretty impactful,” says Smith.
In years past, the event has raised between $6,000 and $7,000, all of which goes back into the community with the programs 1708 hosts. Smith says, “It really makes a big difference for us. It helps us do all of our other programs. We’re really grateful for the artists giving their time and talent, the audience for coming, the collectors for buying—-everyone really has a piece in making it successful.”
This year’s edition of the Monster Drawing Rally takes place at 1708 Gallery, located at 319 W. Broad St, from 12:30-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13. Admission is $5 at the door, kids are free.
