Gage Academy of Art Announces the Launch of 25 JAMS

Gage Academy of Art is excited to announce the launch of 25 Jams, a collection of pop-up, interactive drawing jams taking place this summer in locations throughout Seattle in partnership with local organizations in honor of the Gage 25th anniversary. 25 Jams is a summer spin-off of the annual Drawing Jam, held each December, where Gage opens its studios to the public to experience the special thrill of drawing from the live model. For 15 years now, the Gage Drawing Jam has and continues to offer free art supplies, studio access and professional models, still-life set ups and self-portrait stations for drawing parties, enhanced with live music, local food trucks and activities for the whole family, attracting artists of all ages and skill-levels to celebrate drawing in a creative, lively atmosphere.

"We decided that the best way to celebrate such an auspicious occasion as our 25th Anniversary would be to literally 'paint the town,' and bring the Gage studio experience out to audiences throughout Seattle," says Gage Executive Director Sheila Hughes. "The goal is just getting people to step away from their screens and their desks for a little while, put a piece of charcoal in their hands and engage in the simple act of drawing something from observation."

The season of 25 Jams kicks off Memorial Day weekend at the 44th annual Northwest Folklife Festival and continues throughout the summer. Gage will partner with local organizations to create different events throughout the city at some of Seattle's favorite summer festivals, stunning local vistas, parks and museums. All are welcome to participate and all materials are provided free of charge. Each event will be different and unique to the location, and participants will be drawing everything from landscapes and maritime vistas at The Center for Wooden Boats to sketching the distinct architecture of the Frank Gehry building at Experience Music Project.

Please find the complete schedule for 25 Jams below:

MAY
Northwest Folklife Festival Discovery Zone	Friday - Monday, May 22 - 25	11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

JUNE
Occidental Park, lunchtime	Thursday, June 4	12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
MOHAI - Free First Thursday	Thursday, June 4	5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Pike Place Market Senior Center	Saturday, June 13	1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Westlake Plaza Family Fun Days	Sunday, June 14	11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Pike Place Market Senior Center	Saturday, June 20	1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Westlake Plaza Family Fun Days	Sunday, June 21	11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
EMP Anniversary Event - Architectural Draw	Saturday, June 27	12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

JULY
Volunteer Park	Thursday, July 9	4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Occidental Park, lunchtime	Friday, July 10	12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Freeway Park - Seattle Chamber Music	Friday, July 10	6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Pike Place Market Senior Center	Saturday, July 11	1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Experience Music Project - Myth & Magic Faire	Sunday, July 12	12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Freeway Park - Seattle Chamber Music	Friday, July 31	6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

AUGUST
MOHAI - Free First Thursday	Thursday, August 6	5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Victor Steinbreuck Park	Friday, August 7	11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Fishermans Terminal - Under the Portico	Saturday, August 8	12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Volunteer Park	Saturday, August 8	4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Center for Wooden Boats	Sunday, August 16	12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Victor Steinbreuck Park	Wednesday, August 19	11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER
Bumbershoot	September 5 - 7	12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Volunteer Park	Saturday, September 12	12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

DECEMBER
Drawing Jam	Saturday, December 6	All Day

For more information, please visit Gage Academy of Art online: http://www.gageacademy.org

ABOUT GAGE ACADEMY OF ART

Celebrating 25 years as a national center for classical training in the foundation principles of drawing, painting and sculpture, Gage Academy of Art, a 501-C3 non-profit, features fine-art programs year-round that engage and inspire emerging and established artists of all ages and abilities through rigorous study and practice in the Realist tradition. For more information, connect with Gage on Facebook and Twitter, or visit GageAcademy.org.

Photo Credit: Andrei Kozlov