Two weeks ago, after learning that artist Jason Polan had passed away from cancer, I decided to host and attend my first Taco Bell Drawing Club. I had become a fan of Jason’s work after coming across his blog years ago. Jason had formed this club back in 2005 and since then has gathered with friends and fans in Taco Bell to draw. I first heard of this event through a friend who attended one in Malibu, California. I remember loving the idea and wanting to attend but over the years it never happened.
Jason’s friends and fans planned a couple memorial drawing clubs in New York and Los Angeles but the short notice and distance left me with two options, miss out as I had over the years or organize one of my own. The time was now. I took to social media to spread the word. A few minutes later I had put the idea out into the world and committed to a time and place (duh!), a Taco Bell in downtown Long Beach. The Long Beach Post picked up on the story (I had subtlety mentioned them in my post) and there was no turning back.
On Wednesday, the 29th of January, I sat down at a Taco Bell in Downtown Long Beach. Shortly after a stranger approached, sketchbook and pens in hand, and sat down. We began chatting and doodling. Shortly after another stranger walked through the doors, seemingly looking to draw. That night Stephanie and Monique and I drew for about an hour, chatted and walked away having participated in our first Taco Bell Drawing Club.
The following days I received a number of messages from others who were interested and so after discussing with my new friends we decided to take the momentum and plan another drawing club the following week. Taco Bell even took notice on social media and offered to send along some gift cards to sponsor our second meeting as a tribute to Jason!
A week later we were headed back to Taco Bell for another drawing club, with free tacos! This time around I arrived to find some early birds, armed with supplies and ready to draw! A steady stream of new and familiar faces walked through the door shortly after and we were growing! The second meeting was a huge success and I’m looking forward to the next!
If you’re interested in future events I started a small mailing list to keep people informed of future meetings! Sign up here.
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