Sun Sohovich at the 2025 QuickDraw event. Photo by John Highsmith
Artists are getting in gear for Waynesville’s annual race against the clock, QuickDraw, happening Saturday, June 20. Each year, painters gather for the challenge of creating a work of fine art in 75 minutes while onlookers stroll past. These fearless participating artists—two dozen this year—gather more intently, however, with the aim of raising money for art programs in Haywood County schools. Held at the Laurel Ridge Country Club from 4:30 to 9 p.m., the event includes live piano music, dinner and an auction and takes place in Laurel Ridge’s light-filled great hall.
“It’s year 25 since artist and gallery owner Gretchen Clasby dreamed up an immersive art event to showcase artists’ skills and build their fan base, all for a good cause,” says Sandra Hayes, QuickDraw committee co-chair. “Since then, QuickDraw has been a beloved, much anticipated way to see art in the making, in a venue where new artists bring new energy.”
With funding for classrooms shrinking at the state level, area educators appreciate this fundraiser’s artists and patrons. “QuickDraw is our art budget,” says Waynesville Middle School art teacher Tara O’Loughlin. “Students across the county have access and hands-on artistic growth because of the materials we are able to purchase with QuickDraw funds.” In addition, she says, the funds foster in students a connection to art that keeps the area a haven for creativity.
Artist Kelly Lanning Phipps has participated for about 20 years. A classically trained painter, she creates still-life scenes and landscapes with allegory and imaginative themes. “When I choose a subject for QuickDraw, I make sure it’s a simple statement, and something I can complete in an hour,” she says. “Large, simplified shapes. I’m really able to block out most of the commotion around me, and the more I can do that and just concentrate on the painting in front of me, the better the results.”
Kellye Slate teaches about 800 students at two Waynesville elementary schools and goes through a lot of paper, paint, clay, pastels and other supplies. “What I appreciate most is that QuickDraw’s impact goes far beyond just funding classroom supplies,” she says. “They invest in all of the art teachers in Haywood County, which in turn benefits thousands of students. The scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing art-related careers, gives students encouragement and practical support as they move forward into creative fields.”
Despite the pressure, participants and attendees note the conviviality the event provides. “I do so enjoy meeting new people and letting them glimpse the painting process,” Phipps says. “I also enjoy seeing many art world acquaintances that I may only see this one time each year. I hope the students can be provided with lots of painting supplies and miles of canvas and paper. There’s no other way to learn this other than to cover miles of canvas.”
Learn more and purchase tickets at QuickDrawOfWNC.com.
