Dr. Sketchy's is what happens when cabaret meets art school.
Dr. Sketchy's is the little Brooklyn (USA) event that became a movement. Founded in 2005 by artists Molly Crabapple and A.V. Phibes, Dr. Sketchy's asked a simple question. Why can't drawing naked people be sexy?
Here's our attempt at an answer.
Burlesque babes, sketching, shows, music and drinks..
To reserve a place - email me.
We combed the world to find the most beautiful burlesque dancers, the most bizarre circus freaks, and the most rippling hunks of man. Then every Tues at 630pm at The ArtHouse Hotel we let you draw them for three hours. Interspersed with posing are ridiculous drawing contests (best left handed drawing? Best incorporation of a woodland animal?) where you can win booze or prizes.
We hauled the lights, sent out thousands of listings, and wheatpasted posters during snowstorms. We also insisted on our models making the highest wages in the city.
Dr. Sketchy's has received scads of media attention for it's combination of burlesque and art. We've been written up in The LA Times, Time Out New York, The Village Voice, The Sunday Age in Melbourne, NY Press, Gothamist, Fleshbot, and scores of alt.weeklies. Talking heads have talked about us on NBC and The Hi Definition Network. We were chosen as "Best Wacky Life Drawing Session" by Shecky's 2007 Best of New York.
In the meantime, artists across the world wanted in on our three hours of decadence. Starting in Norfolk, Virginia, but soon spreading from Hollywood to Berlin to Melbourne, Dr. Sketchy's began popping up across the globe. Now we're a 16-city strong art community, with new branches starting each week.
In June 2006, we signed with Sepulculture Books to do Dr. Sketchy's Official Rainy Day Colouring Book. Written by Molly Crabapple and John Leavitt, The Colouring Book is one part official Dr. Sketchy's history and DIY compendium, one part activity book on acid. Filled with drinking games, paper dolls, dirty word finds, and almost a hundred illustrations, it's available for sale now.
As Dr. Sketchy's enters it's second year, we couldn't be prouder. And we want to hear from you. Whether you're a New York Times reporter, documentary filmmaker, glittering burlesque girl, or just some scruffy art monkey off the street, drop by for your portal to babes, booze and Bristol.
Now, get drawing.
- Molly Crabapple, founder