Fantastic Creatures at the Big Draw 2011

Crafting venetian style masks (photo courtesy of Jonathan Doyle)

A really positive buzz of activity and creativity filled the wonderful georgian house that is 15 Queen Street on Wednesday 19th October as Mary Pullen’s creative team took over the venue for one night only and held the super Fantastic Creatures Big Draw Colchester 2011.

Upon arrival at seven o’clock, a warm welcomed awaited one and all, along with the splendid opportunity to enter the event raffle allowing everyone the chance to win a prize of unique original artwork created especially for the event by the participating artists.

With cool refreshments in hand, the rooms were soon filled with creative visitors participating in the diverse and fabulous activities devised by the team of artists around the theme of Fantastic Creatures. Busy groups could be seen making venetian style masks; painting three parts of the 3D life-size totem creature; drawing on the walls; constructing models from gingerbread; using magnifying glasses to make miniscule play dough monsters and tiny drawings; and illustrating pop-up creatures with quill pans and ink.

Rob Lock helps to decorate the wall (photo courtesy of Jonathan Doyle)

The cosy, darkened library was totally filled for the two storytelling sessions where guests listened to the storyteller’s tales of fantastic creatures from the local area and further afield.

The background sounds to the evening were provided by the specially chosen Fantastic Creatures playlist.

Sincere thanks go to the participating creatives Lauren Baker, Russell Clement, Adam Deacon, Michele English, Emily Garland, Katie Kennedy, Lizzie Kevan, Rob Lock for donating their ideas, time and materials resulting in such a successful evening. Many thanks to Alex Davis for help with event booking and organisation and to 15 Queen Street for providing a superb venue.

This event was held as part of the Campaign for Drawing’s annual Big Draw – here’s to the Big Draw 2012!

A completed Venetian mask (photo courtesy of Jonathan Doyle)

Microscopic drawings (photo courtesy of Jonathan Doyle)

Possibly the most memorable project of the night - a totem to be decorated (photo courtesy of Jonathan Doyle)