While sippin on some brews over at Hope lounge, I overheard some artist types talking about illustration, and after further investigation met Michael Alan, who told me about Draw-A-Thon Theatre. What started out as a small meeting in a coffee show in 2005 has now evolved and grown into what is now known as Draw-A-Thon Theatre. Started by SVA teacher and artist Michael Alan, Draw-A-Thon is a collection of the masses, showing showing no discrimination, and allowing for art to collaboratively grow into an organic statement of art activism through expression. It is one of the few theaters settings were the audience members are encouraged to move from seat to seat, stand on chairs for a new perspective, hum along with the music, move up close for a better look, or take a nap on the floor. Though called a draw a thon, everyone is free to reinterpret the living art they see through painting, writing, collage, sculpture, thinking, or even joining in the stage performance. Such space as The Gershwin Hotel, Teatro Iati, Tearto Circulo, Jack the Pelican Presents, The Chelsea Art Museum, Pochron Gallery, and, unwittingly, the Whitney Museum have all opened their doors and hosted performances, but they are looking for a place to call home, in order to consistantly morph into something that they can call home. If this all sounds vague, its because it is. One has to experience to fully grasp what is really going on here. Check out the video below to get a better idea of the growth and vision of this Theatre and make sure to check out the next drawing session, which is also a birthday party for Michael Alan. Details here.
DRAW-A-THON: featured in NY Times from Michael Alan on Vimeo.
