Get your creative STEAM power pumping this October at Artistsmeet!

Returning after a highly successful year in 2015, The Big Draw is running in Three Rivers again this October with another host of fun events and activities that appeal to budding artists of all ages and abilities.

Connecting people with schools, galleries, museums, libraries, heritage sites, village halls, outdoor space, artists, designers, illustrators, and each other, The Big Draw Festival is the world’s biggest celebration of drawing. Its patrons include Quentin Blake, Andrew Marr, Bob & Roberta Smith RA, Lord Foster of Thames Bank, David Hockney OM CH, Sir Roger Penrose OM, Gerald Scarfe CBE, Posy Simmonds MBE and Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell.

The 2016 theme is STEAM! Bringing together Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths. STEAM represents the campaign to give the arts parity with other subjects so that STEM, becomes STEAM. STEAM also recalls our Industrial past and the fusion of creative innovation, enterprise and the arts.

In celebration of this, Artistsmeet will be showcasing a family friendly exhibition courtesy of artist and children’s illustrator Jane Glynn, which will feature colourful paintings, eye popping patterns, mini animation and handmade books.

The Big Draw 2016 exhibition
‘Marking Time’ with Jane Glynn
Thursday 4 October – Tuesday 1 November
Open Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm & Saturday 10am – 2pm
Free entry
Watersmeet, High Street, Rickmansworth WD3 1EH

On Wednesday 12 October from 5:30pm - 7pm, members of the public are very welcome to join us at Artistsmeet for the exhibition launch, where refreshments will be provided and there’ll be the chance to meet Jane and learn more about her work.

As part of the wider programme, adults can also participate in a handcrafted ‘Thoughts Diary’ workshop, using traditional book making tools and techniques to create a beautiful book to fill with a month of creativity. In half term, children and families can Dress the Giant! at a Jack and the Beanstalk themed drop-in workshop, drawing giants and decorating them with bright patterns.

Councillor Lloyd, Lead Member for Leisure, Community and Wellbeing said, “I am excited that the Big Draw has come back to Three Rivers this year, as the event will allow residents and young people to show their creativity. This is a wonderful opportunity for artists big and small to come together in one space and celebrate their passion for drawing. Come along everyone and support your local artists!”