We are lucky enough in North Wales to have the BEST group of gals in our local Roller Derby team - full of enthusiasm, spunk n vigor!

Their mascot is a Zombie - Roller till we die - vibe, they zombied up for us on Thursday night at a new venue in Mold - it was such an awesome night and brilliant to be back after a long hiatus away, such good fun being around creative folks once more that came and drank and drew :)

Full details on our Sketchy page over at:http://www.facebook.com/drsketchynorthwalesandchester" target=""> http://www.facebook.com/drsketchynorthwalesandchester

New venue for us!

Check out our facebook page for all the goss

Special thanks to Shane Horror for our poster design!

We had a fabulous time in North Wales last month at our night with 60s sitcom icon - Jeannie from I dream of Jeannie!

You were a small but beautifully formed class, extremely "in the zone" We had sparkly pink butter icing cakes, snippets and soundbites from the show, costume was made by main sponsor - Extinct Design - costumes and vintage are available to buy at www.extinctdesign.co.uk

We were treated to an ethereal performance from Sukki Singapora who joined us as our 2nd model for the night. Definately will be seeing more of her in the future - so many comments about how wonderful she was to draw!

Also I received the most lovely feedback and thought it deserved special attention as it's exactly how I feel about Dr. Sketchy's and why I was so excited to become a Branch Director for not one but two lovely branches!!

"Hi Heather,

I missed the boat a bit with posting on Dr. Sketchy's about Thursday night but I just wanted to let you know that I think its pretty awesome and its been a massive kick up the ar*e for me creatively . I assumed it was just a gig for professional artists like the very talented Jonny and Aly until I investigated and was ecstatic to find that it wasn't.

I'm a character animator. I've been lifedrawing for 25 years with all sorts of models in all sorts of locations and I have to say I have never had so much fun drawing or drawn anything half as interesting as what at I do at Dr. Sketchy's. I've been waiting for something like this for a long time and you've reminded me of what it was all about, all those years ago as a young art student. The ladies on Thursday were awesome with their enthusiasm, ideas and poses and I was pretty mesmerised by Sukki Singapora and those rose petals. ...and the colours, the joss sticks, I loved the music, ...and the chocolate and the cake...and the... anyway I just wanted to say thanks. Kurste"

Brilliant stuff!

Also must mention a HUGE thank you to a new collaborative partner ~ Creative Factory who took the photos from the night!

Thanks to all who continue to support us at Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School, North Wales

Dr. Sketchy's North Wales is taking a trip up Norf! A drive up the coast to the pretty seaside resort of Morecambe Bay on the Sunny Lancashire Coast. Once a hotspot for British holiday makers, the destination offered music hall magic and variety entertainment that is now being revived and relived at the hands of Goldust, epic event organisers extraordinaire!

The first ever Morecambe Variety Festival will be taking place May Bank Holiday weekend at The Winter Gardens.

The Winter Gardens first opened in 1897 as The Victoria Pavilion theatre Dating from 1878, the original complex included seawater baths, bars and a ballroom. In the 1950s, the Winter Gardens were taken over by Moss Empires, however declining profits in the following decades led to its closure in 1977. Although the theatre building that remains today was listed the same year, the ballroom building was demolished in 1982.

Its faded glamour still holds so much appeal we can't wait to get stuck in, in this my dream art studio, steeped in so much charm, it would be impossible not to be inspired by the echoes and whispers of performances past.

There will be a dazzling amount of things to do, see and experience over the Festival weekend. Think cabaret, variety, circus and sideshow culminating in a King Neptune's Ball on Saturday night from 8pm.

Its going to be a real celebration of the area, the arts, vintage cabaret as well as showcasing some of the very best international burlesque vaudeville and cabaret artists on the scene today.

Headliners include: Vicky Butterfly, Emmanuelle Clare, Juggler Rod Laver, Sword Swallower Bendini, Live contortion and side show, Circus from Frayed Knot, Chinese pole gymnastics from Ed Muir, Dr Diabalo and his side show Sea Beasts pre show Carnival parade!!

Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School joins the 1st ever Morecambe Variety Festival at Winter Gardens, May Bank Holiday - Saturday from 3pm!

Sharpen those pencils and dust off your chalks as you get set for a life drawing class like no other! Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School was set up to encourage everyone to the world of drawing and sketching, whatever skill level they're at.There will be a variety of poses and lengths in which to draw, along with some fun challenges!

And who do our lucky classmates get to draw? Well, we've been fortunate to capture Morecambes very own Mermaid!!

Not ONLY that but we will have "Serpentina" a beautiful seductress of serpent style belly dancing to pose for you pencils.

This will be just a 1 hour taster session!

At our usual events you can expect to see burlesque performances, cheeky poses, plenty of sketching challenges, ear popping music, prizes and all within a good few feet of the bar!

Now REMEMBER you don't have to be a superstar artist to enroll in a class ~ its truly open to all and the perfect night out for folks who are 'I can't draw-ers', the 'not surers' and 'cult explorers'....

You don't need to bring a thing! Paper and pencils are provided. But if you prefer to bring your own materials, please make sure wet media aren't any more messy than a neat watercolour set.

This event is FREE and open to all ages!

If you'd like to know more about our classes visit www.drsketchynorthwales.co.uk

Please do invite your friends to our page www.facebook.com/drsketchynorthwalesandchester

Event details for this particular event can be found here: Dr. Sketchy's At Morecambe Variety Festival

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Stalls, Winter Gardens, Morecambe from 3pm.

I've booked the 'Sunset Suite' at a local Guest House and bags are packed!

I'm thrilled to be taking Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School & some select Extinct Design vintage items to this delightful seaside resort - reliving its past splendour and imprinting some memories of our own!

Visit Morecambe Variety Festival blog for some chat on the events, vintage clothing and Morecambe in times gone by!

The beloved 60s sitcom starring Barbara Eden ~ I Dream Of Jeannie ~ will be the central theme to our next Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School event in Wrexham at Penny Black on 19th April.

Although Jeannie was often the sulky minx she was by far the most strongest female character I had come across growing up. Ultimately getting her own way and running circles around those mere male mortals.

I've heard said the Jeannnie bottle represented feminine captivity and object treatment "her" life is devoted mostly to his (Major Nelson), and most of their problems stem from her love and affection towards "Master", and her desire to "please" him.

My take on that? Pfft.

It was a fun happy show that opened my eyes to more exotic dress, mysticism with an iconic stunningly beautiful Jeannie who acts only to fulfill her ancient heritage. In Jeannies world her powers override any disease and discomfort, she is happy in her pursuit and goals.

Steeped in fabulous 60s decor the look and feel of this infamous TV Series is still such a delight.

Really looking forward to the poses and the pictures! Her 'Jeannie' bottle was a palatial feminine hide-out in. I will be trying to re-create her bottle on stage with a plethora of bejewelled materials and cushions. In prep too of changing my sun room at home into the Jeannie Bottle! I like to take a theme and run with it!

After the scouring the Internet for a quick fix outfit, I was left wanting... So have decided to make one myself. The costume itself caused much controversy at the time, evidently based on a Middle Eastern dance or 'Belly Dancing', but to have Jeannie showing her belly button on TV at the time was a big no-no, with censors up in arms over the fact that they were showing them living together outside of marriage.

To model as Jeannie will be Belly Dancing Teacher - Angel T'Lite. Also Singaporean sensation - Sukki Singapora will perform and pose for your pencils.

Tickets are available now from http://www.drsketchynorthwales.co.uk Check out the event details at Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School North Wales We All Dream Of Jeannie

In celebration of St. Davids day we hosted our very own Ex-chav-aganza. Burberry was donned, pencils were sharpened, velour was pressed, sketchbooks opened, bling blinged and small fighting dogs were tied outside as Kiki Kaboom and Liz Halliwell took to the stage in all their hoodie (and not much else)wearing glory.

After rocking a mean grrl routine on the pole Liz pulled out some fantastic poses, starting with 1 minute sketches, we encouraged art monkeys to draw using only circles or squares or shading in the tone and not the lines. Her shapely legs were a delight to draw and got a few 5 minute poses in there before the break.

Dismantling the pole and asking everyone to schooch forward (I’d forgotten to pack the drawing boards tsk! So we made use of the tables but they took up a lot of room – all part and parcel of working in a different venue)

KaBOOM!. Kiki’s alter ego 'Chavarella' is a foul mouthed b!#$(h that stripped with attitude and packed a punch. Awesome and eye watering brilliant routine – goes to show why she won Best Burlesque Performer 2012!

5:08 pantwettingly funny, wonderful minutes later we all had to compose ourselves to be quick on the draw again as I started off with a few “quickies” followed by some long “drawn” out 10 minuters. Challenges included best caption for “Jeremy Kyle”, most suitable background and draw in the stolen items… Final poses were a cat fight between Liz and Kiki…

Cat fightin' - by Heather Malone

But in true friendship of the streets stylee they were bezzie mates again before the judging began!

Liz - by Jonny Duddle

Kiki - by Pip 'Astro' Bailey

A great new crowd of folks attended Sketchy’s that night – so happy to see you all

Yours,

Madame Ex

School Marm

The next events will be 'A little bit Grimm' 5th April, Laugh Inn, Chester, 7pm.

Followed by 'We all dream of Jeannie' 19th April, Penny Black, Wrexham, 7.30pm.

~for those eye-eyed amongst you our headline sponsor - Extinct Design currently stock handcrafted bling-bling jewelry by Suzywan, worn on the night by Liz Halliwell and myself!

Gots to see more pictures?

Check out the Dr. Sketchy North Wales & Chester Facebook page or the Sketchy Flickr Stream

Photographer: Mark Coxon – Jaded Images

Rubbers are for Pussies. Anyone who has come to a North Wales or Chester branch Sketchy night will no theres SERISOUSLY a "No Rubbers" policy.

Do the right thing. Buy the T-shirt. Spread the word.

Available from www.drsketchynorthwales.co.uk

Dr. Sketchy's North Wales & Chester is going on its own adventure...

As part of the Tattoo Tea Party - Tattoo Convention - we will be there to give you a little taster of our Dr. Sketchy Anti-Art School events

"But I don't want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.

Join Alice on her adventures in this unique interactive art based event that is open to all!

A chance for all those ‘I can’t draw-ers’, the ‘not surers’ and ‘cult explorers’… win prizes, dress up in disguises and let Alice & The Red Queen pose for your pencils!

Curiouser and curiouser?

Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School North Wales & Chester has been likened to what a Life Drawing class would be like if they held them at the Moulin Rouge!
Drawing (quite literally) inspiration from burlesque performers, the playground of the fun, colour, weird and wonderful costumes. We produce an art class that celebrates all styles, mediums and approaches to drawing. Encouraging folks of all skill levels to the very best in sketching fun when engaging the right side of your brain. Its sketching… made sexy!

Alice & The Red Queen will be joining your Headmistress; Madame Ex on stage to bring you Dames! Drinks! & Drawing!

As well as the chance to sketch our wonder duo, you will be treated to a performance from each during the day.

Feel free to bring your own pads and pens, although paper and pencils will be available.

SATURDAY 3RD MARCH
>1.00pm
Introduction to the World of Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, North Wales & Chester
Modelling from The Star Bazaar – 30 minute of quick sketches!

>3.00pm
Performance by Scarlett D’Lyte ~ Red Queen + Modelling - 45 minutes

>5.00pm
Performance by Starla Bright ~Alice in Undieland + Modelling – 45 minutes

SUNDAY 4TH MARCH
>1.00pm
Introduction to the World of Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, North Wales & Chester
Modelling from The Star Bazaar – 30 minute of quick sketches!

>3.00pm
Performance by Starla Bright ~Alice in Undieland + Modelling - 45 minutes

>5.00pm
Performance by Scarlett D’Lyte ~ Red Queen + Modelling – 45 minutes

18's ONLY - Gig Area

Performances by Starla Bright & Scarlett D’Lyte from The Star Bazaar with your Headmistress Madame Ex.

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To find out more about the Tattoo Convention, including bands, artists, ticket details visit http://www.tattooteaparty.com/

The Tattoo Tea Party is brought to you by Tattoo Revolution Magazine & Tatto.Tv

http://www.tattoorevolutionmagazine.com
http://www.tattoo.tv

Kiki Kaboom wins Best Burlesque Performer 2012 at the London Cabaret Awards!! Whooooohoooooo!

She'll be joining us as her Chav-A-Rella persona this Thursday from 7:00pm at Penny Black, Wrexham.

We'll be going all chavs, slags and mean girlz on yo! So don't you DARE be late!!

Full details on facebook.

Thanks to InaGlo Photography for this most marvellous pic taken at the Wet Spot.