Students draw for a cause

It was a very long night at the museum for Natural History Illustration staff and students last month when they sharpened their pencils and settled in for a 24 hour drawing session to raise funds for the Native Animal Trust Fund (NATF).

From noon on Thursday January 24 until noon on Friday January 25, a total of 27 staff and students set up camp at the Newcastle Museum for the DRAW24 initiative. It was one of a number of public events hosted as part of The Big Draw that ran across various locations throughout Newcastle to raise the profile of drawing.

Only two team members fell asleep for a brief period of time and 24 participants stayed for the entire time. Their efforts raised $5592.85 in total for NATF through sponsorship and straight donations. Members of the public were also able to make a contribution in exchange for drawings produced over the 24-hour period.

The event was hailed a success from the Museum, NATF and by Natural History Illustration Program Convenor, Trevor Weekes.

“Trevor and I were really happy with the event and the commitment of our students to participate out of semester time,” said lecturer Andrew Howells.

The talented and bleary-eyed illustrators received cheers and applause as noon finally arrived, and were able to head home knowing they had made a significant contribution to an excellent cause.

NATF President, Audrey Koosmen said she was blown away when Andrew first contacted her about the initiative and has expressed her sincere thanks to all the participants for their efforts.

“The money raised will be going directly to the animals to help with food and vet fees for their long term rehabilitation,” said Audrey. “It was wonderful to see the University of Newcastle and its students taking the initiative to nominate us and achieve the results they did,” she added.