This annual event takes place on Saturday, May 20 – a chance to pick up some pastels or pencils and get the creative juices flowing …
WHAT: Now in its 19th year, the much loved event will see the National Gallery of Ireland collaborate with 74 participating art centres, museums and libraries nationwide.
HOW: Visitors can enjoy a wide range of free activities at the the National Gallery, including A Life Drawing Session with artist Fintan Mahon, where beginners and experienced artists alike can join in on the fun. The Education Studio in the Millennium Wing will be set up for a Sensory Space so that people with autism can draw in a calm and creative environment. Visitors can also attend a tour of the exhibition Pastel Revealed, which will be led by curator Adrian Le Harivel. The Gallery Youth Panel and Transition Year work experience students will be onsite drawing ‘the future of the Gallery’ at the Merrion Square forecourt, and members of the public are welcome to take part. Visitors are also invited to explore fascinating items, from drawings sketched into the corners of letters, to artists’ portfolios in a library and archives display taking place in the Milltown Wing. A scavenger hunt and a series of sketching tours, including one for visually impaired visitors, will run throughout the day too.
WHO: Sinéad Rice, Head of Education at the National Gallery of Ireland, explains: “National Drawing Day is a true highlight of our year and is for all ages and abilities, and not just artists! It is about celebrating the most fundamental method of creative expression; making your mark, and we hope that everyone will join us making marks this May.”
WHERE: Other activities happening around Ireland include a workshop for grandparents and grandchildren with artist Chelsea Canavan in the Excel Arts Centre (Tipperary), a drawing session with artist Val McLoughlin at Ballina Arts Centre (Mayo) and a Picasso inspired workshop for teens at the Hunt Museum (Limerick). Experience Glasnevin (Dublin) will hold stained glass themed workshops, and the International Literature Festival (Dublin) will facilitate a “Wine and Design” event at their festival village in Merrion Square, Dublin 2.
Visitors who cannot attend in person on National Drawing Day are invited to join a full range of online activities. A full list of participating venues; the schedule for the day at the National Gallery of Ireland; and drawing activities and resources can be found on a dedicated National Drawing Day hub at nationalgallery.ie.
