SVA presents “dR AW,” an exhibition of drawings by over 40 artists from the MFA Illustration as Visual Essay program curated by long time faculty member Carol Fabricatore. The exhibition will be on view Tuesday, November 26, through Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the SVA Gramercy Gallery, 209 East 23rd Street, New York City.

A beloved faculty member and alumnus, Carol Fabricatore (MFA 1992 Illustration as Visual Essay) has been teaching Location Drawing at SVA for three decades, after taking over from her mentor, Robert Weaver, who initiated the tradition at the College. Location Drawing is a powerful tribute to the challenge of working directly from life. The essence of the class lies in a fearless, unfiltered, and earnest approach to drawing, emphasizing the importance of narration in the creative process.

“On a fortuitous summer day in 1994, I received a call from [the late founder and chair of the MFA Illustration as Visual Essay program] Marshall Arisman, who asked me in his deep, resonant voice if I wanted to take over the drawing class from the legendary Robert Weaver,” Fabricatore recalls. “Of course, I said ‘yes,’ and I have felt honored to be at the helm of narrative drawing for 30 years in this program. It’s such a rewarding experience to help guide someone’s artistic journey.”

This exhibition unveils a bold and intimate collection of drawings created over the years by current students and alumni of the beloved Friday drawing class, all of which celebrate the power and spontaneity of drawing on location around New York City. Fabricatore encourages students to embrace accidents, imperfections, and mistakes—facets that enrich and fuel their visual vocabulary and artistic careers for years to come.

“dR AW” is not a statement against the use of digital media; in fact, many of the artists represented here have successful careers where digital media plays an essential role. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the dynamic possibilities that tactile engagement with materials, the limitations of working from life, and an immersive connection with physical and personal surroundings can provide.

The MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay at SVA is designed to maximize students’ opportunities as figurative artists, from the conventional gallery wall to the full range of 21st-century media. The program fuses the development of creative thinking with technical and communication skills. Additional focus is placed on best practices in navigating the visual art marketplace while empowering students to choose making art as a way of life.

The SVA Gramercy Gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00am – 6:00pm.

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