The Big Draw
Columbia University School of the Arts and the LeRoy Neiman Gallery
2016
The Big Draw was a daylong participatory drawing event held on Low Plaza at Columbia University on October 11, 2016. Produced by Gavin Browning, it was a collaboration between Columbia University School of the Arts, the Office of Undergraduate Student Life, the LeRoy Neiman Gallery, and Alice Health Promotion.
“Drawing is thinking, and thinking is drawing. Everybody draws—from artists to philosophers, dentists, social workers, journalists, therapists, athletes, and engineers. Drawing is central to thought and The Big Draw occurred in the center of the university. This one-day participatory happening encouraged people of all backgrounds to simply draw. Undergraduate sculpture students fabricated an installation, and MFA Visual Arts faculty members Stephen Jackson, Nicola López, Leeza Meksin, Edward Minoff, and Aliza Nisenbaum led guided group and individual exercises with easy-to-use materials such as paper, charcoal, and ink. No experience or expertise was required, and all drawing will were equally appreciated and displayed in an exhibition held three evenings later in the LeRoy Neiman Gallery.”
“The Big Draw: Sketching A New Path for Visual Arts at Columbia,” by Fangda Hu, Columbia Spectator. October 12, 2016.
