Join in for an evening of sketching, community, and inspiration centered around themes found in the exhibition Homecoming: Walter Osborne’s Portraits of Dublin, 1880–1900. This month’s session will focus on place and be led by local artist Kay Westhues. Come ready to share a sketch (sketches should be no larger than 9” x 12”) of your own, created in response to this prompt: Sound and Place DrawingsThink of a favorite place in your town, neighborhood, or region—somewhere meaningful or interesting. Head to that spot with your preferred drawing materials in hand.Once there, settle into a comfortable position. Close your eyes and tune in deeply to the sounds around you. Notice the relationships between different types of sound—natural and human-made, nearby and far off, present or remembered. Try moving to a few other locations within the space. What changes? What stays the same?Draw some of the sounds that you hear. You might focus on one sound and make marks that describe the sound, or draw several sounds together to create a visual representation of the layered soundscape. Try drawing with your eyes closed to connect even more closely with the sounds. Your drawings can be abstract or representational.This prompt was inspired by Pauline Oliveros, a composer who developed and utilized the practice of Deep Listening in her work. During the program, we’ll share sketches, discuss artistic choices and techniques, find inspiration in each other’s and Osborne’s work, and take on a new sketching challenge inspired by this month’s theme. Local Lines is open to artists aged 15 and up. This program is part of The Big Draw, the world's largest drawing celebration, which takes place across the globe every year in October. It is for anyone who loves to draw, as well as those who think they can't. The festival promotes drawing as a universal language that has the power to change lives and unite people of any age, background, race, or religion from around the globe. Parking is available in the Visitor Lot immediately north of the Sculpture Park for a fee during the week (before 4:30 p.m.). Free two-hour parking is available in the Eddy Street Commons Parking Garage or along Angela Blvd. After 4:30 p.m. and on weekends, parking is free and available in any non-gated campus lot. If traveling via South Bend Transpo, take the No.7 bus and use the Eddy St. Commons stop.   Originally published at raclinmurphymuseum.nd.edu.

In collaboration with the University Counseling Center (UCC) and the McDonald Center for Student Well-being (MDC), this support forum offers an open space for students experiencing concerns related to substance use and recovery, offering a practical, skills-based approach to maintenance and well-being. We will cover topics such as finding and maintaining your motivation ("why"), navigating urges and cravings, cultivating self-awareness, and integrating holistic well-being. Originally published at mcwell.nd.edu.