National Drawing Day 2026

Join us for National Drawing Day at Butler Gallery, a full day of free, inclusive and engaging drawing experiences for all ages and abilities, exploring themes of sight and sound.

The programme includes sensory-friendly workshops designed for neurodivergent participants, as well as a creative teen meet-up in partnership with Helium Arts, offering a supportive space for young people to connect through art.

In the main gallery, artist Renata Pekowska will lead a unique “Listen and Draw” session, combining live cello music with guided drawing in an immersive, performance-style setting.

Visitors can also participate in observational drawing inspired by the gallery’s collection, eco-friendly printmaking for children in the front garden, and outdoor nature drawing in an open-air studio.

Throughout the day, a large-scale collaborative chalk drawing in the pavilion will invite individuals of all ages to contribute to a shared artwork.

All events are FREE. No Booking Required

Schedule

Time: 10.00am-11.00am 

Autism Friendly Morning and Drawing - Location: Learning Centre at Butler Gallery.

• Butler Gallery is excited to offer a special Autism-Friendly Morning, designed to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and sensory-sensitive environment. This morning will feature a unique drawing exercise inspired by works from the gallery's permanent collection, encouraging participants to engage with art in a creative, tactile way.

Time: 12.00pm – 4.00pm

Listen and Draw – Location: Main Gallery

• Artist Renata Pekowska will lead a unique “Listen and Draw” session, combining live cello music with guided drawing in an immersive, performance-style setting. The workshop is supported by Music Generation Kilkenny.

Plein Air Drawing Workshop - Location: Butler Gallery Gardens.

• Artist Jade Butler will guide participants through observational drawing and ink painting in the gardens of Butler Gallery. Working outdoors, participants will be invited to engage their senses, observing shifting light, natural textures, and the atmosphere of the garden, using these experiences as inspiration for their creative process.

Early Years Sensory Play and Making – Location: Gardens at Butler Gallery.

• A drop in workshop geared towards an Early Years audience. Working with the theme of heritage the workshop will focus on play and making using natural materials. Suitable for ages 1-5 years

Giant Collaborative Chalk Drawing Workshop- Location: Front Plaza at Butler Gallery.

• Following the theme of heritage and site we invite all visitors to take part in a large scale drawing exercise in the Front Plaza of the Butler Gallery where participants will collaborate to create a monumental drawing using chalk. Suitable for all ages

Draw the Collection – Location: Collection Gallery 3&4 at Butler Gallery

• Immerse yourself in the textures and details of the gallery’s permanent collection as our artist facilitators guide you through historical drawing techniques. Suitable for all ages.

Helium Arts Creative Meet-Up for Teens - Location: Learning Centre

• In partnership with Helium Arts, there will be a creative meet-up for young teens in the Learning Centre. Helium Arts focuses on creating artistic opportunities for children and teens with long-term health conditions. This workshop will offer a safe, creative space for teens to engage with art.