Disbanded art club draws on funds for Oban Open Draw

The Oban Art Society has generously donated funds to one of the Rockfield Centre's new public art initiatives, the Oban Open Draw, writes Sandy Neil.

Having recently disbanded, Oban Art Society wished to find a cause or outlet that furthers the practice of visual art-related activities within the community.

Facilitated and initiated by local artist Renuka Ramanujam, the open draw is modelled on the event of the same name in Amsterdam, and the idea is simple; artists, doodlers and those who want to simply be creative come together in a space with supplies, prompts and activities.

Strangers are encouraged to sit together - or draw portraits of each other, should they feel so bold - and the intention is to create a creative, safe and fun environment for anyone.

From January onwards, in an attempt to initiate skills sharing, there will be a monthly activity workshop within the draw session.

In an attempt to keep the sessions accessible, they are run on donations.

These donations go towards replenishing supplies and the use of facilities, which at the moment are generously given by the Rockfield Centre.

The Oban Art Society donation will go a long way in continuing these sessions and allowing for more exciting skills sharing during the sessions to come.

Above, right: John Drummond Peterson of Oban Art Society hands over a cheque for £1,463.57 to Renuka Ramanujam of the Oban Open Draw. Right: people come together to share skills and ideas at Oban Open Draw.