Gwartzman's Under the Neon Palms

Gwartzman’s and the El Mocambo are kicking off the summer with a rockin’ event for Toronto’s biggest mashup: Rock & Roll Life Drawing! We’ll be joined by our three models, Captain Mac, Glinda Mercury, and Katalina, whose backgrounds span burlesque, circus and traditional art modelling. They will be dressed in their rock and roll best with dynamic poses, so come prepared for an amazing self-guided costumed session. Attendees are also encouraged to dress on-theme!

Practice life drawing, capture the historic interior, or find inspiration under the neon palms and create something abstract. This is your chance to draw the El Mocambo like you've never seen it.

Bring your pencils, pens, pastels, paper, and your other favourite dry media. To avoid mess, we will not be permitting wet media, paint, ink, or open containers of water. Forgot your sketchbook and sharpener? Stop over at Gwartzman’s – you’ll get a special 20% discount.

The Draw

We’ve been neighbours for decades, and we can’t think of a better collaboration – joining the forces of Toronto’s longest standing art supply store and most legendary music venue. Come celebrate Toronto’s arts and music scene with Gwartzman’s and the El Mocambo!

Our generous sponsors will be providing all attendees with an amazing swag bag - including gifts from Leuchtturm1917, Pentel, Liquitex and more! All ticket holders will be entered to win a huge raffle prize with items from Caran d’Ache, etchr, to name a few.

We’ve also curated a special drawing scavenger hunt just for you, shared the day of. To maximize the sketching fun, try and find all the different sights we’ve set for you throughout the event!

About El Mocambo

Since 1948 the El Mocambo has been keeping live alive. Known for its long history of hosting some of the biggest names in music - like the Rolling Stones' surprise appearance in 1977 - the El Mo is still a top concert venue, now with a recording studio. The original neon palm trees from 1948 stand inside the venue, lighting up the stage (where we'll be drawing!).

About Gwartzman’s

Since 1950 Gwartzman’s has been offering the best supplies to artists. Mr. G transitioned his drapery business into fine art materials as local artists searched for materials within the neighbourhood. The business maintains its legacy in Chinatown as a family-owned creative hub, where Jackie G continues to source new and innovative products for artists!

Every ticket includes:

🎨 Swag bag with your favourite brands

🎨 Raffle ticket

🎨 20% off a huge selection of art supplies

🎨 Limited edition El Mocambo-inspired Gwartzman’s sticker!

Info: If you already have the supplies you need, check in early at the El Mocambo to scout your seat and start your scavenger hunt. We recommend arriving early to avoid lineups and choose your view point!

Info: Get comfy! Our three costumed models take the stage, changing up positions in a succession of short poses to long poses.

Info: At the intermission, grab a drink, check out your neighbours' work and get ready for some longer poses.

Info: In the second half we'll jump into longer poses so you can really get into the details of your surroundings.

Info: Raffle Winner Announcement and Thank you's!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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