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This was an interesting conversation I just had on the Drink and Draw facebook page and I decided to repost it here for a few  reasons.

Firstly, the very idea that total strangers can get together and share something as private and personal as art is mind boggling and that in some way, Dave, Dan and I have facilitated that conversation makes me very proud. So I wanted to blow our horns a little bit for creating a "scene" as it were. It was never our intention but we are happy to take the credit for it, especially if it gets us free booze. Which we love. Hint, hint.

Secondly, as an expanding social event there are going to be lots of people coming to a Drink and Draw event for the first time. All in all, I think this is amazing and should be encouraged. But anytime a new person joins a group or enters a gathering as an outsider, there are going to be preconceptions and expectations. And while that's understandable, it's not really the point of Drink and Draw. In fact, I think preconceptions and expectations are not only antithetical to Drink and Draw in particular, but to all Art in general and should be left at the door.

Lastly, Drink and Draw has become huge. Way bigger than just the three of us drawing on cardboard in the corner of the bar. There are chapters all over the world and they are all different. As founders, we've never set any kinds of rules, made any kind of profit or tried to control anyone's experience. It would be ridiculous to even try and completely outside our personalities. So the quality of the any Drink and Draw event comes down to the individuals present. It's really up to all of you.

So have fun. Draw. Drink. Make art or even just enjoy being around art as it is made. But remember that no piece of art exist until you make it and experiences are the ultimate form of art, so make them good ones.

Jeff(Hondo)Johnson

PS- Dan, Dave and I don't really expect any kudos for putting the tribal joy of drawing back into the world, since that was just a bi-product of our awesomeness and happened mostly by accident, but we will never turn down a free drink. Good stout beer and whiskey for me and Dave and something girly for Dan, like a Cosmo or a Bay Breeze, will do the trick.