The Summer Circle Theatre Courtyard will become a hub of creativity as people from across campus and the community come together to draw and create during the annual Drawing Marathon on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hosted by MSU’s Department of Art, Art History, and Design, this free event will include hands-on art activities, live models, music, and drawing opportunities for participants of all experience levels. In the event of rain, the Drawing Marathon will move inside the Kresge Art Center.

The public is invited to stop by and participate at any point during the eight hours, with drawing supplies provided throughout the day. Participants also are welcome to bring their own materials. A DJ from Impact 89FM will provide music.

The event will showcase the work and talent of multiple areas within the Department of Art, Art History, and Design and beyond. Students and faculty from Ceramics, Art Education, Photography, and Printmaking will lead hands-on activities, with supplies available for participants. MSU Surplus also will host drawing-based activities using a variety of materials.

“We want the Drawing Marathon to be a wholistic, art-inclusive event. The activities all utilize drawing in some way and highlight the importance of drawing to every artistic practice.”

Candice Chovanec, Assistant Professor in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design

Live models will be featured throughout the day, including students from MSU’s Department of Theatre and MSU’s Dance Program who will perform for participants to draw. The MSU Kresge Art Store also will hold a raffle, giving students the chance to win a gift card and a gift basket filled with art supplies.

“We want the Drawing Marathon to be a wholistic, art-inclusive event,” said Candice Chovanec, Assistant Professor in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design, who is organizing this year’s marathon. “The activities all utilize drawing in some way and highlight the importance of drawing to every artistic practice. We hope everyone finds something to spark their own creative expression.”

MSU’s Department of Art, Art History, and Design has organized the Drawing Marathon since 2006.

By Kim Popiolek