Cartoonist Peter Lewis at work in his office at the Newcastle Herald
NOVOCASTRIANS, it's time to sharpen your pencils.
This Friday, January 25, Australia's first large-scale drawing event will be held in Newcastle.
The Big Draw is the world's biggest celebration of drawing, having grown into a month-long event in Britain.
It aims to eradicate the common phrase, "I can't draw", with more people around the globe taking part each year.
Locals will get to test their sketching skills at various locations around the city, including The Maritime Centre, Newcastle Museum, Wheeler Place, Civic Park, Newcastle Region Library and Newcastle Art Gallery.
The day will range from drawing a pirate map to the more complex large-scale stop motion production and animation techniques.
One artist involved in the event will be popular Newcastle Herald cartoonist Peter Lewis.
From 10am to 4pm at Wheeler Place, Lewis will host a drop-in cartoon and caricature class.
Go to newcastle.nsw.gov.au and search The Big Draw.