In collaboration with the Newburyport Local Cultural Council (LCC), the NAA will be hosting a drawing marathon-fundraiser November 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in memory and honor of NAA & LCC Board Member Peter Kimmins, who passed away in March 2022. The purpose of the event is to preserve Peter’s artistic legacy within the community of Newburyport and establish regular drawing sessions in his name. Promoting and overseeing Wednesday night drawing at the NAA was Peter's passion. Newburyport Art will also be using donations to create a memorial scholarship in his name.
Everyone is invited and welcome to participate, and there are numerous ways to be involved: artists of all media can join to sketch; community members can take advantage of the opportunity to have family or pet portraits created; art lovers can purchase unique drawings made during the event while also supporting a great cause; and anyone can contribute any dollar amount to help establish the memorial fund for Peter, a much-loved Newburyport community member.
Peter was born and raised in Massachusetts, growing up in Watertown before attending the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). His natural talent for illustration and graphic design combined with meticulous attention to detail lead to a fruitful career as an illustrator, graphic designer, and creative director. Peter was also a very active member in the local arts community, volunteering his time, and using every opportunity he could to promote the arts.
An overview of the marathon’s events is below!
November 2 (7-9:30pm)
Traditional Wednesday night drawing at the NAA! We can accommodate a maximum of 15 participants and registration is required. (We are requesting that participating artists donate some sketches created during the evening, which we will then sell to raise funds for the drawing classes and scholarship.)
November 3 (11am-5pm)
The marathon continues into the next day with family-friendly drawing sessions including portraiture, still life scenes, vignettes, and more. We will continue soliciting donations of sketches for sale (which will be hung in the galleries), monetary gifts in memory of Peter, and pledges for the artists participating in the marathon. No registration is required, drop in anytime—whether you’re an artist or a family (pets welcome!) that wants to pose for a portrait!
November 4 (11am-7pm)
A continuation of the previous day’s drop-in drawing sessions until 5pm. Finally, bringing the event to a close, from 5-7pm, a reception and celebration of life for Peter will take place. All artists, friends, family, and NAA community members are invited to join us as we honor Peter and thank all participating artists, models, portrait-sitters, art purchasers, and donors!
Important note: Participants agree to make a set donation of $25 or donate two drawings of their choosing from the sessions. All proceeds will go towards reinstating future drawing classes at Newburyport Art and a scholarship in Peter Kimmins’s name.
The event will take place throughout the galleries of Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950. Please note that the Life Drawing session on November 2nd will be held in the Hartson Gallery, which is on the second floor of the building and accessible only by stairs.