What was your first Drink-n-Draw like?

A lawyer by day, a talented artist by night.For many people, Drink-n-Draw is the first time you ever hear about and visit 3rd Ward. We wondered what hundreds of newbies experience, so last week, we sent writer Vann Alexandra to get her perspective on what's fast becoming a must-do for every New Yorker.

It was bitterly cold last Friday night, and it could have been like any other Friday night, in which we found ourselves going to the same old bars, meeting the same old people. But instead, we decided to give our creative sides a crack at something both artistically-enticing and still paBeer in one hand, writing utensil in the other.rty-worthy – the “Drink-n-Draw Overdrive.” Six hours of free beer and drawing? Sounded like a stellar way to warm up.

We soon realized that it wasn’t an event just for artists – there were lawyers, students, business people. They all came because DnD’s an event where people get to stir their creative juices within a casual setting with coworkers, friends, partners, and romantic prospects. Plus, who wouldn’t dig the free booze?

Up the stairs and just before the main drawing room, the refreshments area smelled like a mighty mix of Mexican meets homey café. On one side was the ¡dpm! empanada station and on the other side the ladies from The Sisters Three served up freshly brewed beverages (chipotle cocoa flavored!). And then, of course, the bar was conveniently located smack in the middle.

The early birds had landed all the good spots. But many were content just standing up, leaning against the walls, or like us, sitting Indian-style on the floor. (Later on in the night, management decided to open up another room for space purposes.)

Side conversations.The room was tight, but intimate. We were all inches away from each other, drawing and drinking together. And we were able to strike up conversation in between the drawing breaks.

We quickly realized we weren’t the only first-timers at DnD. Towards the beginning of the class, we sat next to three 20-somethings who work together at the Norwegian Consulate. They said they are always on the hunt for new kinds of work outings and DnD sounded unique. Another girl a few seats away said she came because DnD seemed like the perfect Friday pregame.

We then moved to a table towards the back and befriended some girls who currently go to art school. They first heard 3^rd Ward because of the awesome parties, but then realized there were classes, too. They said they were really into the DnD vibe – people were able walk around instead of being confined to a chair like any other typical “class” environment. The live music helped the vibe, too.

While roaming around, there was one person we Working on her intriguing cutouts.were really curious about: a lady standing in the back doing cut-out images of the models. She’s a sculptor based in Queens who has been coming to 3rd Ward classes and DnDs for years. She was a pleasure to meet!

Throughout the night, we watched party animals in the corner making a beer pyramid; an older couple who made every movement in unison; a guy in the corner swaying to the music while drawing.

Drink-n-Draw wasn’t just about the art and models, but the people, too.