SPRING 2025


The Fine Lines and Shadows Drawing Group is a space where students, faculty, staff, and alumni from all three schools of The Cooper Union—Art, Architecture, and Engineering—come together to draw, connect, and share creative energy outside the pressures of coursework and critique. Our mission is to foster an inclusive, interdisciplinary environment where participants of all skill levels can engage in figure drawing, mark-making, observational studies, and conversation in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Each session provides dinner and drawing materials, at no cost to the participants, ensuring the space is accessible to everyone.

We believe in bridging disciplines, positions, and generations at Cooper. By inviting alumni, staff, faculty, and students to participate, organize, and enjoy our events, we create a unique space where different perspectives converge, fostering creative exchange and meaningful connections. These interdisciplinary interactions happen organically, facilitated by the act of drawing, gathering, and sharing a meal together. Through regular on-campus sessions and field trips to inspiring locations, we aim to remove barriers to the practice of drawing while strengthening connections across The Cooper Union.ngthening connections across The Cooper Union—without barriers.
Upcoming/Alumni Register here

Friday, April 4

In-House Session #14
   41 Cooper: 630F
   5-8PM
This session will feature a cumbia performing group lead by Karla Flóres as our models, bringing movement and rhythm into our drawing practice.

As always, materials will be provided. Alumni are invited to join us in this and future sessions.

Advanced registration is required. Alumni may register here. Cooper Union students, faculty, and staff don’t need to register. 




DRAWN


DRAWN publishes any writing our community feels inspired to create and submit alongside drawing-related projects. Submissions may include creative and critical essays, interviews, studio visit notes, artist statements, or other proposed formats.
What people are saying... //

Fine Lines and Shadows Drawing Group is a treasure at The Cooper Union. The unique gathering of students, staff, faculty, and alumni from the school of Art, Architecture, and Engineering is inclusive and nurturing. I love the focus and intensity of the group despite the low-pressure, self-directed, exploratory environment. It’s incredible to witness the extraordinary vision for the drawing group come to life under Asialy, James, Robyn, and Mauricio’s leadership. —Tai Blanche  A’95 --


Spring 2025 //

Open Call


Call for Submissions #1
 
Are you interested in another person’s work? If their work involves drawing (as planning, alternative, or as the final product) we invite you to submit documentation of their work along with studio visit notes, interviews, or statements to be featured in DRAWN.

We’re looking to create a dialogue around how drawing influences, shapes, or becomes part of the creative process. How might drawing help address challenges, embody rituals, or give voice to a project?

We encourage dialogue that goes beyond the usual circles of students, staff, faculty, and separate schools. Feel free to submit your studio visit notes, interviews, and statements—or reach out to request an interview or studio visit with a volunteer. You can also volunteer to conduct an interview or studio visit yourself! Contact us with submissions, suggestions, to volunteer or propose ideas here




ARCHIVE


Past

Friday, March 21

In-House Session #14
   41 Cooper: 903CS
   5-8PM
This was our third in-house session of the Spring 2025 semester. Burgers were served. 

Images:


Past

Sunday, March 16

Field Trip #4
   Museum of Natural History
   Upper West Side, NYC
   10:00AM-4PM

*Brunch group to meet in Good Enough to Eat at 10:00AM
**AMNH visit group to meet at 12PM
This was our field trip of the Spring 2025 semester. We shared brunch, as usual. 

The American Museum of Natural History in NYC offers a rich environment for drawing, with its vast collections of taxidermy animals, intricate dioramas, and dramatic fossil displays providing dynamic subjects for study.
Images:


Past

Friday, February 21

In-House Session #14
   41 Cooper: 903CS
   5-8PM
This was our second in-house session of the Spring 2025 semester. California burritos from Electric Burrito were served for dinner and we drew Jimbe. 
Images:


Past

Friday, January 31

In-House Session #13
   41 Cooper: 903CS
   5-8PM
This was our first session of the Spring 2025 semester. Pork dumplings and Udon Noodles were served for dinner, yum!

Images:


Past

Friday, December 6

In-House Session #12
   Foundation Building: 630F
   5-8PM
This was our last session of the Fall semester. Dinner was served, as usual. 

We look forward to future sessions in the Spring! 
Images: