From cave paintings and hieroglyphics to 3D-printing pens and your favorite video game, drawing has been a spark for human creativity and communication.  The Big Draw is an international movement and organization founded in the United Kingdom in 2000.  According to their website, The Big Draw is “an arts education charity that promotes visual literacy and the universal language of drawing as a tool for learning, expression, and invention.”

© 2015 Stephen Ironside/Ironside Photography

“Visual literacy,” a term first coined by John Debes in 1969, is “the ability to interpret, negotiate, and make meaning from information presented in the form of an image… Visual literacy is based on the idea that pictures can be ‘read’ and that meaning can be communicated through a process of reading.”

© 2015 Stephen Ironside/Ironside Photography

The Big Draw coordinates research projects, conferences, and campaigns throughout the year to promote visual literacy, digital technology, and STEAM education. During October, the organization encourages cultural institutions  to join a global community in celebration of the universal language of drawing.

Come and celebrate The Big Draw  on Sunday, October 2, from noon to 5 p.m. at Crystal Bridges!  Create drawings inspired by live jazz music, compete with your family in drawing challenges , make a pencil pal with Art Feeds, enjoy gallery storytime, and more!  Free, no registration required.  Sponsored by Roy & Christine Sturgis Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee; Procter & Gamble; Rockline Industries; and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

Learn more about the international Big Draw at  http://www.thebigdraw.org/