Well-known Ruskin artist Bruce Marsh moderates a drawing group that meets every other Thursday evening at the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin. The group is informal and not a class. People of all experience and abilities are welcome. Marsh is pictured here during a recent exhibit held by the group. Mitch Traphagen photos.
On Thursday, a group of artists held an exhibit. There were beverages and snacks and people gathered to talk and take in the works of art placed upon the walls of the Firehouse Cultural Center. It wasn’t widely advertised — it was simply a chance for the members of a drawing group to gather and spend some time together. In addition to drawing art, the members of the group are drawing friendships as well. From young to more elderly, the members of the group vary in experience and even skills, but there are no mistakes in art — and make no mistake: Despite abilities, everyone in the group is an artist.
“It’s an informal drawing group, not a class,” said renowned Ruskin artist Bruce Marsh, the moderator of the drawing group. “We’re just a group of people who meet and draw and make friends. This is for people who like to draw, and draw at any level. We’re also looking to recruit new people.”
Not only is it not a class; it’s not a competition, either. It is simply an opportunity to draw with others for pure enjoyment and camaraderie. But almost certainly, everyone walks away having learned something, particularly with an artist and teacher as accomplished as Marsh in attendance.
The group meets every other Thursday at the Firehouse Cultural Center from 6 to 9 p.m. According to Marsh, the $10 cost is basically to cover the cost of the model, with a little used to cover “some electricity” at the center.
“There is a huge range here in people’s work,” Marsh said. “It’s great to see. This is a lot of fun.”
The Firehouse Cultural Center is located at 101 1st Avenue NE in Ruskin. For information about joining the drawing group, visit the center’s website at tinyurl.com/observer-drawing or call 813-645-7651.
