February Annual – DRAW!

Jackson, Missouri, February 25, 2023 – 

 

The Design Committee for the Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization (UJRO) is presenting the 2023 February Annual – DRAW! 

 

DRAW! will combine an exhibit of drawings and live artist demonstrations, as well as the first ‘showdown’ in Uptown Jackson’s history. At ‘high noon’ on High Street, two artists will face off for the crowd to decide which claims the title of February Annual’s ‘Fastest Draw!’. The live art activities are held indoors at 101 West Main Street directly across the street from the History Center. Look for the UJRO ‘roaming parklet’ parked on High Street.

 

Kyle Taylor Portraits will be working on a commissioned portrait throughout the day, and the ‘showdown’ artists will present demonstrations during the event 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. All the artists will be available to answer drawing questions and will lead small groups through various drawing techniques.

 

The DRAW! exhibition will begin February 25th to run through March at the Cape Girardeau County History Center, 102 S. High Street, in Jackson, Missouri. The display is a rare opportunity to view a curated selection of the renowned late artist Tom Runnels works in drawing and illustration. 

 

Throughout the day, food trucks will have food and beverages for sale, with specialty event day items being offered in a cowboy western theme. Attendance to the demonstrations and exhibition is free to all. Event sketch pads may be purchased at the event for guided instruction beginning at Noon.

 

Now in its eighth year, past February Annual events have drawn over 800 waiting in line while native son Roy Thomas greeted guests for more than six hours, in addition to a comicbook symposium presented to over 200 that kicked off the event. Live glass blowing and raku firing events along with gallery exhibits and storefront window “pop up” art galleries have continued to be a part of February Annual. 

 

Design Committee Chair, Craig Milde, stated that “our February Annual in Uptown Jackson is unique each year, growing in depth and reach presenting interactive art experiences to the Jackson, Missouri region and beyond”.

 

ABOUT FEBRUARY ANNUAL. February Annual is an annual art exhibition featuring a local renowned Missouri or regional artist and held the last Saturday in February in Uptown Jackson, Missouri. The event is based upon three pillars: community outreach and art education by engaging with local students in artist workshops, activating the Uptown business district through storefront window art exhibits and in-store events, and presenting an art opening event for the community that often includes an artist lecture or interactive event. The February Annual is presented by the Design Committee for the Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization (UJRO) and with the continued support of the Cape Girardeau County History Center. Connect with February Annual at UJRO on Facebook and at www.ujro.org.