Dr Sketchy’s Burlesque Art Workshops

When I first read about Dr Sketchy in Glasgow, I was instantly beguiled and intrigued by the unique art class.
Dr Sketchy is a worldwide institution where people meet up to sketch Burlesque and Cabaret performers in an informal context. This event has been very popular in the likes of Brooklyn, but has been brought to Glasgow over the past couple of years, and our arts community is all the better for it!
Events usually take place once every month on a Sunday afternoon in The Arches (hence why I have used this as the business address). It was founded by creative mastermind Louise Oliver, who has been prolific in creating a colourful, varied and welcoming Cabaret community across the city. She has successfully set up a number of companies in and around Glasgow that promote Cabaret, Burlesque and local theatre arts, to name but a few of her business ventures.
Dr Sketchy brings together performing arts, life drawing classes and comedy, which makes for a killer combination. Tickets are around a fiver and everyone is welcome, from professional artists to beginners with crayons. Some of the work produced within the few hours of the class is outstanding, but you are not obligated to showcase your sketchbook at all. They run some fun competitions with a prize of a bottle of whisky or wine, but the atmosphere is very relaxed so you are encouraged to come along regardless of whether drawing is your forte or not. There’s a bar if you would rather sip on a rum and observe the show if you don’t fancy yourself as the next Monet.
Every month the organisers arrange for new acts to come along from across the globe! There was an utterly gorgeous girl from London last time I was there whose Cabaret act was funny as well as sassy. There are some familiar faces who attend every month which gives this club a comfortable appeal, and shows that the guys involved in this scene have a great community spirit.
It’s very interactive and all are welcome to come along and try their hand. I had a great time when I was last there. I’ve seen five year olds who draw better than me, but since the guys are very laid back and accomodating I am welcome to bring my crayons. The next Lautrec I am not, but I know a good club when I see one, and Dr Sketchy’s is it. I can honestly say that the work of Louise and her team have helped develop and enrich Glasgow’s arts community.