Once a month, the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) brings out its private collections, giving the public a chance to sketch them. September’s sketch workshop was all about bugs!
The RAM had a wide variety of displays to inspire attendees’ artwork; from preserved specimens to life-sized and giant insect models. Even live centipedes and beetles were brought out by the museum’s entomologists, who were eager to share their knowledge and fun facts about the insects.
There was a calming thrill in the air throughout the evening. Families and friends quietly sketched away with smiles on their faces, while apprehensive laughter came from those brave enough to hold the live bugs.
Third-year MacEwan University studio arts major Izzy Cardinal was in attendance for the evening, sketching away and thoroughly enjoying the event.
The creation of the RAM’s drop-in sketching event is meant to foster a community.
“By doing this program, we can bring these really cool things that don’t normally get to come out and let people see them for a time and draw them and spend time with those things,” said Nancy Nickolson, the RAM’s learning coordinator.
“Being able to sit in front of a bear, you don’t get to do that in the wild, but you can do that here at the museum.”
