This Saturday, May 18th, is National Drawing Day! What better way to spend it than at the National Gallery of Ireland? You can also take your pick from an extensive list of museums you can visit to draw, learn and admire art!
Every year, the National Gallery of Ireland — together with dozens of museums, galleries, libraries and cultural organisations all over the country—encourages people to get drawing on National Drawing Day! This year, the National Gallery of Ireland invites you to take part in free drawing events, or visit one of their partner organisations around the island of Ireland. You can find a list of partners here, but rest assured – there’s something for everyone! Let’s take a look at what Dublin, Galway and Cork have in store.
National Gallery of Ireland – Dublin
Pop into the Gallery for fun and inspirational free events including a life-drawing session with artist Fintan Mahon, a workshop created by the Gallery’s active and dynamic Youth Panel, sketching tours, a family workshop with artist Mags Harnett, a drop-in Library and Archive display and more.
Turning Heads: Rubens, Rembrandt and Vermeer Exhibition:
There will be free admission to the Rubens, Rembrandt and Vermeer exhibition at certain times during the day: 9.15am – 10.45am and 4pm – 5.30pm. Advance booking is essential, so book your tickets here! The general event will take place between 11am and 4pm.
Farmleigh – Dublin
Drop by the marquee in the pleasure grounds from 12 for a series of workshops with Artzone, Irelands leading art school run by qualified art teachers. The workshops will be on a first come first serve basis, free of charge and last approx. 45mins.
Workshop A: 12pm – Suitable for 5-7 year olds (Max 30 participants)
Workshop B: 1pm – Suitable for 8 – 12 year olds (Max 30 participants)
Workshop C: 2.15pm – Suitable for 5-7 year olds (Max 30 participants)
Workshop D: 3.15pm – Suitable for 8 – 12 year olds (Max 30 participants)
If you’re a lover of art be sure to visit Farmleigh House and Galleries to admire the collections of drawings and paintings on display. Farmleigh Gallery is showcasing works by William Orpen and family and the Dublin Painting and Sketching Club are celebrating their 150th anniversary with their exhibition ‘Dublin, Then & Now,’ in Cowshed Theatre.
Visit artzone.ie for more information.
Galway City Museum
Why not visit Galway City Museum, be inspired by the objects and their surrounds and avail of our multiple sketching stations throughout the galleries?
Thanks to funding from Creative Ireland last year and ongoing funding from Galway City Council the museum are delighted to offer space and materials to both seasoned and aspiring artists this National Drawing Day.
Visitors of all backgrounds, ages and abilities are welcome to visit the Museum and get creative. Materials are provided for sketching and a lightweight folding artist’s stool which can be collected at the front desk. There are lots of inspiring galleries to choose from including the Keepers of the Gael on the First Floor and the landing area overlooking the Claddagh and Galway Bay on the Second Floor. Not to mention the many objects on display throughout the Museum – you can choose your muse and draw it your way.
The event will take place between 10am to 4pm, no booking required!
Crawford Art Gallery – Cork
Sculpture Galleries:
Whether you prefer a hands on approach or time to work alone, this interactive workshop also translates to a self-led activity. Navigate through a collection of sculptures and Canova casts at the Crawford Art Gallery, and take time to consider how light and shade are at play in the space!
All ages are most welcome, no experience is necessary and best of all, the event is free! No booking required, just drop-in between 2-4pm.
Uillin: West Cork Arts Centre
Mark Making Workshop:
Uillinn invites you to join their artists in residence (Caroline Boyfield and Laure Colomer) in exploring a free approach to drawing using mixed media, found materials and experimentation with scale, abstract composition, tonal values, and texture. Using a variety of tools, including flotsam to create marks through rubbings, stencils and direct impressions with mixed media.
The workshop will take place between 10.30am to 1:00pm, and is a free and family friendly event. To book, visit eventbrite.ie.
Want to tap into your inner artist?
The National Gallery of Ireland has partnered with over 50 locations, from castles to museums to gorgeous estates, so that you can celebrate National Drawing Day in style. Don’t forget to check out the full list of places participating!
