QuickDraw for Art Education
On June 11, intrepid artists step up to create in the public eye as guests stroll, sip and goggle at the creative process. Under the vaulted ceilings of Laurel Ridge Country Club, regional fine artists and craft artisans will create in a live quickdraw. The one-hour quickdraw features two types of live art: painters racing the clock to finish their art in 60 minutes, and artists demonstrating technique in paint, clay, metal, jewelry, and collage. Each artist presents an original artwork at auction to support art education.
The one-hour quickdraw is followed by a frame-and-display social with live music by Craig Summers, a lively art auction and dinner. Artists donate 50 to 100 percent of the sale for art education in schools.
The performance aspect is a draw for artists, newcomers, collectors and the curious who want to witness how a piece is created. Sylva artist Colin Dawson looks forward to painting alongside fellow QuickDraw artists, “to see their modes of working, and learn how this kind of performance factors into their practice.”
Jo Ridge Kelley, Waynesville artist and gallery owner, said “Interested viewers and art students can learn so much from observing the various artists at work. QuickDraw collectors can continue their conversation with friends about how it actually happened. It’s a win-win.” Her daughter, clay artist and jewelry designer Keri Anna Kelley said, “I had never watched my mom do a painting from start to finish all at once. QuickDraw makes it exciting and educational.”
QuickDraw is a local nonprofit that promotes art education by hosting an annual quickdraw to raise funds. The event will be held on Saturday, June 11, from 4:30-8:30. Proceeds are the main source of art supply funds for art teachers in Haywood County Schools, as supplies for arts programs in schools are funded at local and not state level. Tickets are $95, include dinner, and help cover food costs for participating teachers. Tickets are available online or in downtown Waynesville galleries. For artist and ticket information, visit QuickDrawofWNC.com or call 828-734-5747.
A QuickDraw basket of local goods and services will be raffled off to benefit QuickDraw’s mission of art supplies in schools. Valued at $1100 retail, the prize basket includes local culinary treats and gift items, gift certificates for health and wellness, hair, massage, handmade jewelry, and Maui Jim high-tech sunglasses. Buy tickets for the drawing through July 4 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville.
