For art's sake!
By KAREN SHADE, 07/15/2009
Eye Candy Burlesque's Ilsa the Wolf, also known as Sara Wilemon, poses for artists at the first session of Dr. Sketchy's Tulsa Anti-Art School at the Blue Dome Diner in May. The next session is Sunday at the Nightingale Theater and features the Green Country Roller Girls. Gavin Elliott / Courtesy
Dr. Sketchy's adds models on wheels to its burlesque
As far as Tulsa art goes, "Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School" is as pragmatic as it gets. Call it art class meets cabaret.
Where else can artists have a cocktail, get out a sketch pad and have an unobscured view of some of the boldest personas posing for their inspiration? That's not including the burlesque entertainment and games, from 6-9 p.m. Sunday at Nightingale Theater.
Drawing 101 was never like this.
"This is the complete opposite of that," said Angela Evans, a founder of Dr. Sketchy's Tulsa Anti-Art School.
In May, the mavens of Tulsa's popular Eye Candy Burlesque set up the first "school session" at the Blue Dome Diner in downtown Tulsa. The burlesque girls wore racy, extravagant costumes and did timed poses for the artists. They also offered short performances between models — anything to keep it from getting dull.
"I don't know if you've ever been in an art drawing class, but they're pretty boring," Evans said. "They're usually very quiet in a classroom Basically, what Dr. Sketchy's does is it jazzes the environment for those who are modeling."
And Dr. Sketchy's is after the most unique models willing to stand for stretches of time. This time, stars of the Green Country Roller Girls will have their game faces on in provocative costumes and skates.
Branching out
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School was started in 2005 by Brooklyn artist/illustrator Molly Crabapple, a former artists' model. Sunday evenings of entertainment, drinks, catered food and drawing sessions feature unique models from burlesque dancers to sword swallowers.
Evans said there are now 78 Anti-Art School branches around the world in most major cities. The closest to Tulsa are in Oklahoma City and Kansas City, Mo.
When the Tulsa school premiered in May, the event attracted people from across a variety of demographics. The one thing they had in common was a love of art and fun.
Of course, the models aren't the only ones to benefit from the fun, bawdy atmosphere.
"We want to go beyond just the burlesque girls," she said. "I mean, Roller Girls? How interesting is that?"
Evans said the sessions will be a regularly recurring event with other local and regional models lined up to participate.
DR. SKETCHY'S ANTI-ART SCHOOL
When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday
Where: nightingale theater, 1416 E. Fourth St.
Tickets are $7 at the door. For more, call 633-8666
Note: Event is for a mature audience only.