(Photos by Katie Hoffman)

In a neighborhood packed with artists and people who like to drink, it only makes sense that someone would get the idea to combine drinking with honing one’s artistic skills.  3rd Ward, an arts and innovation facility in Bushwick, hosted last Friday’s annual Drink & Draw Overdrive party. A brilliant alternative to sitting at a bar getting drunk, Drink & Draw offers a more creative form of drinking for hipsters and non-hipsters alike.  For a mere $20 ($15 for members), you can drink all the Pabst Blue Ribbon you want and sketch the live, nude model tableau at the front of the huge studio.  The best part is, you don’t have to be an artist or a hipster to feel comfortable here.  The vibes are good and fun is the goal.  Drink & Draw is for everyone!

If you get hungry and PBR just isn’t cutting it, Empanadas ¡dpm! was set up and selling absolutely delicious handmade Argentinean empanadas by artist and proprietor, Clara Ines Schuhmacher.  Artisanally-flavored coffee, including a ‘rosebud pink peppercorn’ variety from three sisters coffee wafted through the crowd of intently sketching patrons as they were french-pressing their wares in small batches.  Yes, even the food and drink here are creative and unpretentious. 

Drink & Draw nights have grown in popularity so much and marketing and events director, Jessica Tom, said this was the “biggest one yet”.  With over 900 RSVPs, the art party has definitely found widespread popularity.  Luckily, drinkers and drawers can arrive anytime between 8pm and 2am and the room was huge.  Still, there were people standing, sitting on the floor, and leaning around for their view of the live models.  As I exited, the line of fifty+ people lined up in the entry and out the door confirmed my suspicions that this concept might just be the latest nightlife trend. 

To attend a regular weekly Drink & Draw, they are held Wednesdays from 8-10:30.  Price is $15/person or $10 if you bring a friend and members get in free.  Bring your sketching supplies and they will provide beer and models. 

Drink & Draw at 3rd Ward | 195 Morgan Avenue | Bushwick | L train to Morgan Avenue