As the Autumn season brings new weather, The Department of Regional Art Workers (D.R.A.W.) is focused on bringing new, unique programs to our community. There’s something for everyone—and all ages and skill levels! For the second year in a row, the D.R.A.W. is pleased to host an open house on September 22 and 23, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the annual Art Walk Kingston. Visit the D.R.A.W. space at the YMCA to view work made throughout the year, watch printmaking and artist book demos, and hear some quirky live music performed by Wayne Montecalvo and Warren Perrins.

The D.R.A.W. had a productive summer with the successful Costumed Model Drawing Sessions, facilitated by Rebecca Hellard, in their studio at the Y (all materials provided). The Kingston Library also participated as a host for the D.R.A.W. with a three-week long Teen Art Lab where students worked with local artists Joe Gonzalez, Addie Farr and Elizabeth Goldhammer to exercise their skills, challenge themselves and have fun! The student work was well received at an exhibition at Broadway Arts of Kingston.

October jumpstarts D.R.A.W.’s new workshop series focused on an exploration of materials. They have scheduled a “curated shorts” workshop series (ages 14 to never too old) on Saturdays at the Y with a great lineup of local artists. Take an oilstick monoprint class with Wayne Montecalvo, sharpen your paper cutting skills with Jenny Lee Fowler, learn about and make handmade books with Kaitlin Patterson of Cocoon Book Arts, and try your hand with linocut and printmaking with Chris Seubert. You can learn kitchen table monotype techniques with Carole Struve and upcycle an article of clothing into new wearables from IQTEST designer Melissa Lockwood. The D.R.A.W. will collaborate with artist and educator Beth Humphrey of Woodstock Artist Association and Museum for Art Exploratorium, an intro to art making and use of materials (ages 5-8), held on Friday afternoons for five weeks. In the evenings, Costumed Model Drawing Sessions resume with favorite “characters” who will model for participants once again.

Of special note, D.R.A.W. is excited to share the amazing opportunity to join the Portfolio Development program with a former high school teacher and founder of the D.R.A.W., Lara Giordano, on Saturday mornings. And, don’t forget about the two free workshops for teens and tweens to be offered in an after-school workshop series (dates TBA) by teaching artists and educators, Amanda Carella and JoAnna Ruisi.

Download the course/workshop brochure, check out the bios of all D.R.A.W. artists, peruse the calendar of events and more at drawkingston.org.