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The Salmagundi Art Club began in 1871 as a sketch group which met in artist Johnathan Scott Hartley's studio. Today the club owns a beautiful historic brownstone near Union Square. Every Monday evening there is a drop in short pose sketch class and on Wednesday evenings is the long pose.
Monday night I bolted out of work, grabbed a quick bite a University Pita and was on my way to my first sketch group at Salmagundi. When I entered the brownstone my usual frantic pace was for a moment paused as I took in the impressive neoclassical interior architecture and period decor in the foyer. I peered up the grand staircase at the portraits of prestigious male members posed at their easels or seated in traditional wingchairs.
While the drawathon is about breaking rules and voyeurism, Salamagundi is quiet and dignified. In the first floor gallery where the class meets, the tables and easels were placed in a large circle around the model who holds a series of timed poses. The only sound I heard for the next few hours was the scratching of charcoal crayons on paper and floor boards creak when the model adjusted.
Drawing is a very meditative exercise. I have found the hardest part for me is clearing my mind of all expectations and ignoring my inner voice (which is usually in the midst of some inane monologue). As the night progressed and my thoughts did quieted I started recognize the simple relationships of the forms and focused on the model. During these moments I was learning another lesson, mindfulness.
Something I like (love!) Salmagundi is a block away from University Pita the best Israeli-style falafel stand in the city!
