Urban Art Binge [ http://www.urbanartbinge.com ] is an art class experiment that has found its legs and feet in 2012 and is sure to spread its positivity in 2013. Emily Fong [Jugglers Artist in residence] and Joh Underhill are the brains and heart in this venture founded in a ” coffee moment”. Well organised, passionate, talented and excellent mentor/teachers, Emily and Joh kicked off the first of five regular 6 week classes in February 2012 using studio, gallery [Jugglers] and on site spaces for lighting the art spark with beginners and not so beginners. Colour charts, perspective, blind contours and space and people capture framed a curriculum that builds skills and friendship. The final end of year exhibition at Jugglers [December 7] melded works on canvas and paper , a plethora of art journals, UAB paraphernalia [Carry Bags et al], blind contour competition on paper plates, live music, good beer, wonderful food from Street Food Australia http://www.artfoodaustralia.com.au and awards. Art experiments can be corny, shallow and predictable but UAB has none of that. While respecting the tentative beginning first steps of participants, Emily and Joh have a way of companioning and teaching that appears to create satisfaction, self critique and hunger, a sure recipe for creative exploration and growth. I found myself drawing again the next morning after the closing celebration. UAB deserves the success it has become and will become as it evolves and finds its next rhythm.
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