Drawn together
Whether you come to a Drink & Draw evening at Mariastraat 13 mainly to draw, or simply to enjoy the atmosphere, you’re more than welcome to join. Artists of all ages come together here around a shared interest: capturing the beauty of the human body – each in their own way.
Binnenstad
Dana Springer (27)
is the founder of Drink & Draw Maastricht. Originally from Edam-Volendam, she studied in Maastricht and now works in healthcare. She is also an artist and illustrator. Drink & Draw evenings have been around for decades in other student cities, but last September Dana organised Maastricht’s very first drawing night with live models. Participants bring their own paper, pencils, pens or charcoal. “What’s so nice about these evenings is that complete strangers end up talking to each other,” Dana says. “Last time, my friends struck up a conversation with a group of women in their fifties. I really love that.”
Marion Katerberg (66)
is absorbed in her charcoal drawing. “Drawing is my passion,” she says. “I’ve been drawing for 17 years now. It comes naturally to me. I’m good at looking and observing. I’ve worked in education and as a nurse. I’ve seen a lot of hardship, and over time I’ve come to appreciate nature and the beauty of the human body more and more. I found Drink & Draw through visual artist Ton Franssen. He teaches a small group of students, and he does it wonderfully.”
Jack Willems (71)
has been drawing and painting for most of his life. “Creating something is an inner drive,” he says. “The human body fascinates me. It’s a constant source of inspiration. I work with all kinds of materials: charcoal, pastel, Indian ink and acrylic paint. Since retiring, I spend between 10 and 20 hours a week painting in my studio. “And when I’m not painting, I spend time looking after my 4 grandchildren.”
Merlijn Vermeulen (20)
discovered Drink & Draw on Instagram. Originally from Veenendaal, he is now in his second year studying scenography and costume design at the Maastricht Theatre Academy, where anatomical drawing is part of the curriculum. Merlijn is a true maker: besides drawing, he enjoys spinning yarn and crocheting. “At Drink & Draw I can really work on my hand-eye coordination,” he says. “Art makes me feel alive. It allows me to share beauty with others.”
Emre Yavuz (25)
was taken to Drink & Draw by friends. Originally from Turkey, he has applied for asylum in the Netherlands and now lives in Gulpen. Emre works in a supermarket and is learning Dutch at Vista College. He previously studied physics and hopes to continue his research in the Netherlands. “I don’t draw professionally,” he says. “It’s just a hobby for me. I’m mainly here for the social aspect.”
Interested in drawing live models yourself?
Keep an eye on the Instagram page @drinkanddraw_maastricht, look out for flyers around the city, or ask for more information at Sam Ateliers, Mariastraat 13.
Photography
Mitch van Schijndel
