“Storytelling” drawing sessions use long-term residents as models to get to know their stories. Typically, sessions are focused on residents of the Martindale Brightwood area or creatives who partner with the Harrison Center.
Artists are welcome to create in whatever medium they prefer (ink, writing, crocheting, painting), and must bring their own supplies. These sessions are held weekly. Harrison Center Artists facilitate the series.
During my time with the program I hosted over 60 drawing sessions. Not only did my technical skills improve but I became a more empathetic artist and a better listener. I would spend more time asking questions and taking notes than drawing the person.
This project grew in ways that I never expected. In October 2023, I presented Storytelling Drawing Session at the National Humanities Conference alongside Ms. Joanna Lenoir and Harrison Center Executive Director, Joanna Taft.
I was also given the opportunity to curate two group shows based on the work of our community titled, Drawn To Neighbors. Eventually the work from Storytelling became the Polklore Micro-Museum dedicated to Martindale-Brightwood.
Brand refresh for Storytelling Drawing Sessions using existing assets designed by Harrison Center interns.