‘Chalk’ event organizers hope to draw young artists

One of Southern California’s largest initiatives to promote drawing across all age groups is making its way to Glendale this month.

The Glendale Central and Brand libraries will host “Chalk the Walk,” an afternoon for children and adults to tap into their inner artist and use gray sidewalks as the backdrop for decorative, original pieces.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at both locations. Chalk and brushes will be provided.

It is one of more than 60 events across the Los Angeles region tied to the annual Big Draw L.A.

Ryman Arts, a nonprofit that nurtures youth artists through classes, is overseeing the monthlong celebration hosted in collaboration with museums, libraries and neighborhoods across the Southland.

The international Big Draw campaign aims to offer free drawing activities to everyone, honing in on the importance of the arts. Florida, Washington, Michigan and Illinois are other states joining the international festival taking place in the United Kingdom and 22 other countries, from Australia to the Netherlands, according to Big Draw’s website.

Diane Brigham, executive director for Ryman Arts, brought Big Draw to L.A. after visiting the festival in London five years ago. There she saw hundreds of drawing events occur at once.

“It allows people of all ages and many different environments to draw, firsthand, in a non-intimidating way,” Brigham said. “The Big Draw reminds [people] of the joy the arts can bring.”

Since its inception in 2010, Big Draw L.A. has attracted up to 20,000 participants across L.A. and Orange counties each year. Student artists attending Ryman, and local artists, lend their support attending the events.

“Some people have this idea that artists work alone in their studios, but here you can get to know the artists,” Brigham said. “Many of the events are led by artists.”

Although artists will attend events local to them, Brigham encourages attendees to visit events in different neighborhoods and cities because it gives them an opportunity to learn about other areas.

The event can also lead to surprises when a friend or family members displays an unknown or previously untapped talent.

In Brigham’s experience, children drawing pulls in adults. She’s overheard conversations between generations, and most centered around everyone’s surprise at other’s artistry.

“Drawing together is an experience. It’s a metaphor of how we can pull together and realize connections we may not have known were there. Here, they can be united doing an activity they all can share and enjoy,” Brigham said.

Glendale Central Library is located at 222 E. Harvard St., Brand Library and Art Center is located at 1601 W. Mountain St.

For more information about both events and others this month, visit www.thebigdrawla.org.