Donna Box of Valrico taking part in a class at the Big Draw Studio.

Did you know that Ruskin, Fla., was founded by people inspired by the social theories of art critic and Victorian intellectual John Ruskin? And here I’ve been thinking “tomato” every time I hear Ruskin for the last twenty years…

In honor of that heritage, during this centennial year, the Big Draw offers a variety of workshops and classes designed to help participants rediscover the joy of drawing (an activity John Ruskin believed was key to a healthy ability to perceive and analyze the world). If you can’t see yourself putting charcoal to paper, a block-party-slash-mural-unveiling with food and music on Oct. 11 might hold the most appeal. Either way, stop by and see how the event organizers have transformed an empty Dollar General store into a temporary community arts center.

Will today’s Ruskin residents develop enough of a taste for art classes on tap that they’ll support the creation of a permanent arts center?

Read the story in Creative Loafing: The Big Draw.

Here are a few Big Draw events taking place this week/end (note: not all take place in Ruskin); click here for the complete list on the Big Draw website:

LIFE DRAWING
Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave., S, St. Petersburg,
Ransom Art Building, 2nd floor, Art Dept. 727/867-1166
7-9:30 p.m., Thursdays (Week Three: OCT 2)
$5, open to anyone, no obligation/pre-registration
Long pose 1st Thursday of the month
For more information call Rebecca Skelton 727/449-5146

DRAWING MARATHON EXTRAVAGANZA– 2 Day Intensive
BIG DRAW STUDIO – Workshop
Oct 3 & 4
Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 5pm each day
Visiting Artist: Marjorie Greene
SouthShore Arts Council
Materials & Model Fee - $60
Sign-Up begins August 25, Limit 20
Bmarsh3@tampabay.rr.com or 813.641.8635
Registration will be complete when payment is made.
Commit yourself to a 2 day drawing marathon extravaganza. This intense all day activity is open to all students interested in increasing their understanding and perception of the visual world. Participants will work in a large studio with a massive set-up and live clothed models. Projects will be executed in charcoal on large 4′x5′ paper. This 2 day immersion in drawing will culminate in an informal critique and exhibit. Accommodations information is available.

HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE WALK & DRAW
OCT 4 , 9am – noon; All Ages
Begins at Ruskin Commongood Park
121 2nd ST NW
First 25 receive free sketchbook
Ruskin Historical Society

Participants will receive a walking tour map of nearby historic buildings. The event is free and open to people of all ages. The first 25 to start will receive sketch pads and drawing implements. Sketches can be kept by the artists or donated to the Ruskin Historical Society before noon that day or mailed to Ruskin Historical Society, PO Box 879, Ruskin Florida 33575. A selection of finished drawings will be posted online at www.RuskinHistory.org For more information contact Fred Jacobsen, Fred@RuskinHistory.org or 813-298-6028.

BRUSH & INK DRAWING IN THE LANDSCAPE
Camp Bayou Nature Reserve - Workshop
OCT 4, Saturday 1-4pm
Visiting Artist: Robin Cody
SouthShore Arts Council
Free, Materials Provided
Sign-up begins Sept 2, Ruskin Branch Library
One Dickman Dr SE, or 813.273.3652

Using brush and ink on chipboard, we will explore a variety of ways in which to record the sensations of light, movement, space and sound in the landscape that surrounds us. Make a large, gestural drawing, or two smaller drawings to express your particular vision. No experience necessary!

THE BIG PICTURE PARTY – FAMILY EVENT
Make a Picture Book & Follow the Treasure Trail
Family; Adult & Child; Oct. 4th, 1:00 – 2:30
Southshore Regional Library Children’s Room
Southshore & Ruskin Libraries with Crawford Studio
As a family, learn to celebrate picture books and learn through drawing. Families are invited to come and discover SouthShore Regional Library’s colorful and large Children’s Library room. See and learn how important illustrations are to children’s literature. With guided instruction your family can illustrate a story ~ make your own picture book. Follow a “treasure trail” around the library. Pick your favorite illustrations from the many available books.