Quick Draw McGraw

Drawing is fun. Drawing with friends is even more fun. Now, add drinking to the mix. Can it get any better? Announcing the return of Rock’n’Roll Drink ’n Draw. Open to anyone over 21 (even non-drinkers and nondrawers), Drink ’n Draw summons all creative minds to a night of art and socializing. The free event will take place on Saturday, April 30, 6 to 9 p.m., at Holmes Pub, formerly the Half Penny Pub, 321 W. Fayette St.

Inspired by artist Nate Bliss, who organized similar local events until roughly two years ago before moving to Austin, Texas, artists Meaghan Arbital and Scott Herrmann decided to revive and co-host the event. (Full disclosure: Arbital is a graphic designer here at The New Times.)

“Drink ’n Draw events actually happen all over the United States—and probably the world— although they usually have no affiliation with one another beyond a common theme,” Arbital said. “This is sort of the grand reopening of the event in Syracuse. If it goes well, we’d like to have more of them scattered throughout the year.”

Arbital and Herrmann combined visions in planning. Arbital, who works in graphic design, illustration and sculpture, sees Drink ’n Draw as a social event for artists, especially freelancers who might not get the chance to interact with other creative individuals, to chat and draw together. Herrmann, president of Syracuse’s Open Figure Drawing, Inc., a not-for-profit art organization, envisioned a night of figure drawing set in a more casual setting like a bar with music.

Saturday’s event will reflect both ideas: There will be tables to sit at, draw and be social as well as a clothed female model available for those who wish to draw from life.

“It’s a very casual drawing event—nothing polished or final, or even necessarily good,” Arbital said. “It’s just loose fun work.”

The event will be held in the back of the pub in a medium-sized room equipped with a bar. It’s BYOP (bring your own pencil) and participants are encouraged to bring whatever material they prefer to draw on, though some supplies, including pencils, pens, markers, sketchbooks and loose drawing paper will be provided by The Art Store in Syracuse. The Art Store is also donating a $25 gift certificate that will be raffled for $1 a ticket. Proceeds will offset the cost of the model.

“We’re supporting this event because we’d like to encourage people that maybe have never tried drawing or said they couldn’t draw,” said Leslie Barnett, manager at The Art Store. “The environment that they’re trying to create might encourage people to be creative.”

Different genres of rock music will be played, including Metallica, Alice in Chains, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and The Ramones. Snacks will be provided by Peppino’s on Grant Boulevard.

“I’m excited to have the figure drawing experience that I’m used to transported to a bar where there is alcohol and loud music,” Herrmann noted. “It’s what I’m used to in a very different context. Any venue that offers a model or opportunity to draw from life is great.”

Check out the event’s Facebook page under “Drink and Draw Syracuse,” for more information. Or call 453-5565.

—Marissa Bholan