LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Big Draw LA, a month-long audience participatory drawing initiative that spans the globe, returns to Los Angeles for the fourth year this October. The Big Draw LA creates opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to discover that drawing can enhance how they see, think, and invent. A worldwide celebration founded in the UK in 2000 and joined by 22 countries, it is presented in Southern California by Ryman Arts, an arts education organization that fosters the education of young artists. Recently awarded a two-year grant from The James Irvine Foundation, Ryman Arts plans on expanding The Big Draw LA to encourage an even wider audience to create and share their drawings, and engage the general public in art-making across Southern California. In 2011 and 2012, over 15,000 people came out to draw at 90+ events.

"Drawing is a universal language that connects people of all ages and walks of life," says Diane Brigham, Ryman Arts Executive Director. "The benefits of drawing—for children and adults alike—extend far beyond providing a creative outlet. Participation in the arts enhances imagination, problem-solving abilities and tolerance."

Community Groups ParticipatingLocal organizations—clubs, schools, community centers, museums, and neighborhoods—are in the midst of planning their public drawing events for October. There are already over 50 Big Draw LA events planned including Ryman Arts' events at Grand Park, Grand Central Art Center, and a TedX event. Other organizations hosting events include the Skirball Cultural Center, Fullerton Public Library, California Art Institute, Camera Obscura Building, E.V.E. Studio, Los Angeles Public Library, Fowler Museum, Gallery Girls, and San Gabriel Valley Pride. The Big Draw LA is committed to promoting inclusiveness and offering a diversity of drawing experiences at both traditional and non-traditional venues. Resources to assist with planning and information for groups are available – www.thebigdrawla.org.

Flagship Event: "Make Your Mark in the Park" on October 13Ryman Arts' Big Draw LA flagship event, "Make Your Mark in the Park," takes place at noon on Sunday, October 13 at Los Angeles' Grand Park. A fun-filled afternoon celebrating the act of drawing will welcome thousands of Angelenos to draw together. With public performances and participatory drawing activities, Grand Park will be transformed into a giant experimental drawing studio. Ryman Arts students will help lead the drawing efforts, engaging the public to join in for this enormous collaborative art project. Last year's event was attended by 3,400+.

About Ryman ArtsEstablished in 1990, Ryman Arts began in honor of legendary Disney artist and mentor Herbert D. Ryman. A National Program of Excellence, it offers professional studio art instruction, along with college and career guidance, to artistic youth. Almost all graduates go on to college, many alumni work in the creative industries, and all are poised for personal and professional success. Accepted students choose to attend Saturdays on the campus of California State University, Fullerton or Sundays at the studios of Otis College of Art & Design, Los Angeles. This vibrant community of culturally diverse teens comes from over 130 Southern California neighborhoods. Ryman Arts is a 501(c)(3). For more information, please visit www.rymanarts.org or call (213) 629-2787. 

Press Inquiries:Michelle LeeRyman Arts213-629-2787

SOURCE Ryman Arts