The Official Aurora, Illinois Drink and Draw Social Club!

 

Inspired - and ultimately endorsed - by the Original Drink and Draw Social Club, the Official Aurora, Illinois Drink and Draw Social Club is an official chapter of the Drink and Draw gang who kicked things off back in 2005, in Los Angeles, California. Brought to life by comics creators and animators Reverend Dave Johnson, Jeff "Hondo" Johnson and Dan "Urban Barbarian" Panosian, the second largest city in Illinois will strive to carry on the grand tradition our forefathers have established before us.

And thanks to our wonderful host McCarty Mills Taproom and Bottlehouse, located at 140 S. River St. Suite 108 in beautiful Downtown Aurora, the Official Aurora, Illinois Drink and Draw Social Club is now holding its gatherings on the second Saturday of every month from 6 to 9 pm. (The dates listed on our flyer here represent the remaining dates of 2026. Stay tuned for our 2027 schedule, kids!)

And now, a handful of rules!

• We're all in this together to create a welcoming artistic environment. Let's treat everyone and our host establishment with respect! Not everyone is Norman Rockwell or Alex Ross BUT YOU can help anyone become a better artist by being kind, courteous, open-minded, respectful, non-judgmental and helpful! Heck, you just might be responsible for helping cultivate the next great artist! Consider this: Many folks turn to art to help them cope with or navigate loneliness, mental health and insecurity. Imagine YOUR input and acceptance helping them return for our next meeting because they feel like they belong. And this goes for anyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity. This meeting venue is established as a safe place. Let's keep it that way!

• Although "Drink" is half of the deal here, alcohol consumption is NOT required! Whether you're a teetotaler, in recovery, have an intolerance to alcohol or just plain don't like its taste, other than its fine and diverse selection of craft beers, mead, canned cocktails, wine, spirits and THC varieties, McCarty Mills also has non-alcoholic options. We only ask that you purchase them from this fine establishment. Hey, these cats and chicks have to make a living too!

• No rowdiness. We're supposed to have a relaxed and groovy time, so let's all behave, yes? Plus you really don't want to make me to give you a stern talking-to. You also don't want to tick me off.

• Minors are welcome to join the fun, as long as they accompany an adult of  legal age. And, yes, they can have as many non-alcoholic beverages purchased for them as they'd like! The "Draw" half of the deal is for them too! Hey, and no slipping some cocktail action to them under the table. Again, you don't want this talking-to because I'm really good at it.

• And this rule is SUPER-IMPORTANT: Please, please, PLEASE make certain you have a safe and solid way to get home. If you're drinking, you'd best be thinking. We want you back, happy and ALIVE.

So artists of ALL skill levels, please bring your sketchbooks, paper, pens, pencils, crayons, coloring books, tablets (but NO A.I. In the art world, it's lazy and cheating. Build some real skills here, friends), a positive attitude and spirit and most importantly...YOU.

Oh, I almost forgot, with each monthly meeting, a limited amount of sketchbooks will be available for FREE! How can you beat free, kids? And they're yours to keep! Just get here early and ready to draw and make certain you bring them back the following month for more Drink and Draw hijinks!

And if you like hanging around on social media and you're so inclined, please consider joining our Instagram page and Facebook group!

Questions? Comments? Complaints? Commissions? Hit me up at artofthepaw@gmail.com. You can also follow me on Instagram @CoyoteDuran, on BlueSky @coyoteduran.art.com and on Facebook @CoyoteDuranArt. You can also watch some Coyote TV on YouTube @CoyoteDuranArt.