Save the Date! Sketchbook Dares – Book Launch Art Party
Saturday February 10, 1:30-4:00

This combination book launch and interactive art party celebrates the release of local author & artist Laura Lee Gulledge‘s new interactive book of drawing activities, Sketchbook Dares.

Curious creators of all levels & disciplines (ages 10 and up) are invited to this FREE interactive art party. The activities include multiple art stations with drawing dares to try out, both individual and collaborative, a collection of the artist’s original sketchbooks to flip through, a live drawing demo, and door prizes. Attendants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook or your Artner (your partner in art) and increase the odds of getting a door prize!

Gulledge is known for her work as a YA graphic novelist, so this new book of drawing activities is a departure that takes her back to her origins as a public school art teacher. No matter the format her projects take, creative expression has been a theme that permeates all of her work. Reviews refer to her work as “quirky, clever, and insightful” (Kirkus, Starred Review), “wholesome” and “up-to-the-minute fresh” (Publisher’s Weekly).

“This book unites my loves of art education and artistic creation, of art journaling and visual storytelling, in a playfully accessible format that I’m thrilled to share. I designed this book to act as a hand-held art class to help inspire anyone anywhere to cultivate their creative side…to become more daring, at least on paper,” explains Laura. Drinks from Potter’s Craft Cider, hand decorated sugar cookies from Bowerbird Bakeshop, and signed books will be available for purchase.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:​ Laura Lee Gulledge is the Charlottesville-based author and illustrator of the new interactive book Sketchbook Dares. She is the creator of graphic novels Page by Paige, which was nominated for the prestigious Eisner Award, and Will & Whit, which she has developed into a DIY musical theatre production with her team of Artners that recently made its debut at the Belmont Arts Collaborative and VA Fringe Festival. She has worked in art education, scenic painting, creative consulting, and event production, among other pursuits. She posts new art and adventures weekly in her blog at whoislauralee.com

ABOUT THE BRIDGE PAI: The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative is a cultural hub for Charlottesville offering an inclusive space for creative thinking and artistic pursuits while providing resources and methodology for meaningful arts engagement throughout the community. Our mission is to bridge diverse communities through the arts. More information can be found at our website – thebridgepai.org or by following us on Facebook.