A new year is a new start, so we’ve decided to shake things up a bit and do them a little bit differently from now on. We’ve had lots of constructive feedback from you guys (and we always welcome more), and we’re changing Sketchy’s to make it better. Read on to find out how.

More Drawing

We have to admit, we got a little carried away last year with elaborate costumes, sets and acts. You’ve cried out for more drawing, so this is what you’ll get this year. We’re scrapping the faffing and getting down to the bit we all love – drawing. So we’re dialling up the time you have to draw the models and decreasing everything else. We’re also focusing on the models from now on – more variety when it comes to shapes and sizes, and more flesh on show, so you can really get to grips with their anatomy.

Of course, we’ll still have the things that make Sketchy’s Sketchy’s – a relaxed atmosphere, the chance to drink, and some fabulous burlesque.

Model at Au Naturel

More Community

We run Sketchy’s because we love it, but we’d love it even more if you got involved too. So if you fancy modelling, performing or you just have a great idea for a theme, please don’t hesitate – just grab one of us by the scruff of the neck and tell us.

Equally, if there’s something you don’t like and you think should change, then let us know. We want Sketchy’s to belong to you as much as it does to us.

We’re on the hunt for local sponsors, so if you fancy donating your wares as prizes for an event then get in contact! We’d love to hear from you.

Less Complication

Unfortunately, we have had to scrap our loyalty card scheme as it simply was not working financially. We apologise to those of you who have them, but we had a go, and it didn't work.

The events will now be at the beginning of each month instead of the end, the first Thursday of every month to be exact. The next one is on the 6^th of February.

We’re also starting (and finishing) our events earlier – so you can get to bed/pub as soon as possible. The doors will open at 7.30pm and the event will commence at 7.45pm sharp.

Goodbye Fiona

Our long time photographer Fiona is no longer with us, due to a very busy schedule and no longer living in York. We wish her the best of luck and lots of love for the next year!

This means that we have a role open for a photographer. If you fancy taking photos for us - it means free entry to all our events, exposure for you as a photographer and the welcoming arms of all us lot - then please get in contact!

We look forward to having a fabulous 2014 with you.

If we could, we’d choose every moment that has passed during this last year. From Vikings to flappers to daleks we’ve had a fab year of drawing, dancing, boobs and booze. So BIG thank yous go to you, our eager art monkeys, and our fabulous models and performers, it couldn’t have happened without you!

Here are our favourite moments from the year:

Tonks: “Mine is the Viking performance I did in Feb as it was the first time I had ever done any kind of burlesque thing. I know it wasn’t great, but I was proud of myself.”

Jay: “I’m between Doc’s Wolverine Musical, all the Art monkeys doing the Time Warp and Weeping Angel scaring the shit out of Georgina… I think I’m gonna go for Weeping Angel as that was my favourite event all year! The props, costumes, everything were brilliant and that bit was an inspired breaking of the fourth wall that was interactive, funny and terrifying all at the same time.”

Amy: “I have so many! I think these are my favourites - Tonks being crowned Miss Underworld and Jay hesitating to place the crown because there was a snake there instead – having live snakes at Sketchy’s! (Our first animal model!). Doc performing his Wolverine burlesque for the first time. Eating fish fingers and custard backstage with the Doctor! Also, importantly: I posed for people to draw me twice this year, as Wicked Witch and Amy Pond. This was a big deal for me, as I’m a bit scared of modelling. Achieve! Also, Au Naturel felt wonderful as it gave me the ability to draw naked models, but it felt really relaxed and less pressured than normal life drawing.”

Trixie: “My best Dr Sketchy’s York moment was actually at the Rocky Horror Show. My role was quite different at this show, as it was my first show where I was looking after performers and models back stage. I was going through a pretty rough time and being around such a bunch of creative and warm people really lifted my mood. It really made me chuckle watching the two Franks pull themselves into their stockings and discuss how they walked in their heels. It warmed my heart to see Tobi make sure everyone was ready and knew their positions, like a much-loved mother hen. Most of all it really made me smile to see such a strong sense of community in the room as everyone joined in as Tobi and her Kitty Katz and Tomz took to the stage to perform the Time Warp. Dr Sketchy’s York is like a little family really, everyone is friendly & willing to help each other. For example, I can’t draw feet for toffee so I really appreciated the advice that I could draw the models stood behind walls!”

What are your favourite Sketchy moments (and drawings!) from the last year?