For most artists, the chance to draw from a live model comes in the quiet of their own studio, or in a classroom when they are first learning their craft.

Tonight, it will come in a crowded bar.

“It’s a very relaxed, social atmosphere,” said John Romang, coordinator of the event. “Having a comfortable environment where you are free to do what you want really adds to the creativity.”

Romang and Paducah Arts Alliance organized Sketchaholics, a three-hour drawing session taking place at Shandies, which is open to both seasoned veterans and newer artists. The session will feature a live model, and also have food and drinks available.

“Having artists involved is a great thing,” Romang explained. “But this is also towards people who want to do art, but haven’t taken classes or experienced this before. It’s for the average person to try their hand at drawing in a very relaxed atmosphere.”

Not only will Sketchaholics include a live model and social interaction, there are also art-related games. Challenges include drawing a sketch entirely with your non-dominant hand, or creating a picture of the model as your favorite super hero. Each win earns a free drink on Paducah Arts Alliance.

“The theory behind this is interaction,” Romang said. “Everyone misses interaction, even professional artists in their studios. Being next to other people tends to make you get more creative.”

Paducah Arts Alliance is a organization that works to bring artistic enrichment to the community. Along with Sketchaholics, which it hopes to make a monthly event, the group sponsor artists for the Artists in Residency program, which brings artists from out of town into the city for about 10 days.

Sketchaholics takes over Shandies tonight, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission to the group is $10, which covers the fee for the model each night. Any overflow from the event goes towards funding other events, like Sketchaholics, around the community.

“There are no gawkers, this is about people who want to do the art,” Romang said. “It is out of the public eye. I just wanted to make sure there were no set rules on what is right or wrong. It’s about finding their own style.”

Contact Corianne Egan, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8652.

Want to go?

What: Sketchaholics

When: 6-9 p.m. today

Where: Shandies, 202 Broadway

Tickets: $10

For more information, visit paducahartsalliance.blogspot.com