The Big Draw

Discover the power of drawing at the Big Draw Festival!

Enjoy a full day of playful, hands-on creativity with artists, educators, and cultural partners. Visitors can explore activations and interactive experiences in the Great Hall, including hands-on workshops, storytelling sessions, and opportunities to meet local artists and cultural organizations throughout the day.

Featured Participants

• Turning the Page – Engaging families for student success through workshops, museum experiences, and free books.

• DC Public Library – Bringing stories and activities to inspire young readers.

• Illustrator Trap Bob – Celebrate her new coloring book launch with a life-sized coloring book!

• Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) MFA Program – Showcasing innovative illustration and artistic practice.

• National Building Museum – Hosting activities and exhibitions that celebrate design and architecture.

• National Museum of Women in the Arts – Championing women in the arts through engaging programming.

• National Postal Museum – Sharing history, creativity, and cultural storytelling.

• Polish Embassy – Experiencing the work of VR drawing with Tomasz Wiktor, and celebrating the cultural and international connections.

• Positive Chalk DC – Creating spaces for children and families to imagine and inspire their communities.

• Urban Sketchers – Sketching the Museum from new perspectives.

Schedule of Events

10:00–11:30 am | Illustrator Trap Bob Coloring Book Workshop
Hands-on coloring workshop led by Illustrator Trap Bob.

Participants 7 and older are encouraged to pre-register here for FREE coloring book workshop with illustrator Trap Bob. The first 40 participants will receive a copy of Trap Bob’s new coloring book. 

10:15–11:45 am | Storytime
Storytime is packed full of reading, songs, and activities designed to promote language and literacy skills!

11:00–11:45 am | David Macaulay Drawing Demonstration
Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator David Macaulay shares sketches and techniques.

1:15–1:45 pm | Polish Embassy Storytime
The Polish Embassy presents stories celebrating culture, history, and international connections.

1:15–4:45 pm | David Macaulay Guided Workshop

30-minute hands-on illustration workshops with David Macaulay, suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Participants 10 and older are encouraged to pre-register for FREE, 30-minute drawing workshops with David Macaulay. See the schedule and pre-register here.  

Visitors are welcome to bring their own sketchbooks or use materials provided by the Museum.