A selection of the Spring JSU Art Department Drawing Marathon is on exhibit at Johnson Hall through April 17, but it was such a success, plans are to hold marathons more frequently, perhaps each semester.
The marathon took place Thursday, April 2. “It was supposed to end at 8,” said Assistant Art Professor Chung-Fan Chang, coordinator of the event, “but they kept going until 11 p.m.”
“We had people from psychology, business, all departments,” and not just the Art Department, she said. All were trying their hand at drawing — even people off the street. And there was every type of drawing, from freehand to comic book style to formal portraiture and more.
The department helped out with props and still life subjects. It also provided paper and various pencils, charcoal, color pastels and professional tonal markers for what was supposed to be a half-day event.
“People were at all levels” of art prowess, she said, and “they were passionate about it.”
They were so enthusiastic that now, Chang says, she hopes to hold a marathon every semester.
The purpose the marathon is to promote active learning. Part of the department’s Fine Arts and Performance Series, the non-stop drawing event is to allow people who may not consider themselves artists to “loosen up,” to relieve stress, as well as promote the attitude of approaching art fearlessly.
Chang says she’s excited that so many people participated and from all walks of life, making the marathon a success, and hopes to build on that success by holding more of them.
Stay tuned!
The Marathon exhibit, featuring a dozen of the renderings, is on display 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Admission is free and open to the public.