The Other Art Fair is hosting its sixth edition in Brooklyn this week with a special opportunity for adventurous fairgoers. An artist project called “Get Nude Get Drawn,” is soliciting attendees to pose for artists in a naked figure drawing session, in exchange for a free nude portrait.

The project is the brainchild of artists Mike Perry, an animator for Broad City, and Josh Cochran. The duo first hosted the event back in 2011, enlisting models on Craigslist for a two-day drawing marathon that resulted in hundreds of sketches over the course of two 12-hour sessions. They let each model keep their favorite drawing, and sold the rest at a one-day pop-up exhibition.

Unexpectedly, they had a hit on their hands, and a steady stream of volunteers ready to strip down in the name of art. (They even tried out modeling themselves one time and found the experience “liberating.”)

“Over the years we have had the opportunity to draw many different people, from the bold exhibitionist, the group of friends from out of town, or the shy pregnant art director,” Perry told Artnet News in an email. Other artist friends have also drawn at the Get Nude events—there have been seven to date—getting back to basics with this foundational artistic practice while exposing the public to an age-old artistic tradition.

One of Mike Perry’s drawings from the “Get Nude” event in 2016, courtesy of the artist.

As a teenager in Kansas City, Perry attended figure drawing sessions at a local artist’s studio. “I started figure drawing when I was 15, and have never really stopped,” he said. “The human body is a complex organism and every time I draw the figure I discover more about humanity.”

For Cochran, his entry into figure drawing as an art student was “simultaneously exhilarating and brutally difficult,” he said. “I have never once felt like I’ve mastered drawing the figure. I find it a really great way to discover new ways of working and seeing.”

Visitors at a “Get Nude” art event. Photo courtesy of Mike Perry.

The pair built a private studio at the fair and plan to keep the model poses short in an effort to make them comfortable. “Holding a pose for one minute may sound easy, but when the sweat drips down your naked body while posing and your quads are quivering, time moves very slow,” Perry said. Advanced bookings are full, but there are walk-in slots available every hour.

In addition to Perry and Cochran, eight other artists will be taking part, and each model will get to take home one drawing by each artist. The rest of the works will go on display at the fair, priced at $20 each.

Artworks from at a “Get Nude” art event. Photo courtesy of Mike Perry.

“From day one, the Other Art Fair has liked to challenge visitors through both the artwork in artists booths, but also within our project spaces,” said the fair’s founder, Ryan Stanier, in an email. “I’m expecting a lot of excitement from people wanting to get their kit off and drawn by Mike and his brilliant art friends. I, for one, will be in the queue.”

Here are the dates, times, and participating artists. The Other Art Fair is on view at the Brooklyn Expo Center, 72 Noble Street, Brooklyn, New York, November 7–10, 2019. 

Thursday, November 7: 6 p.m.–10 p.m.

Mike Perry
Andy Friedman
Kaye Blegvad
Taylor McKimens

Friday, November, 8: 3 p.m.–10 p.m.

Mike Perry
Josh Cochran
Dadu Shin
Kaye Blegvad
Taylor McKimens

Saturday, November 9: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Mike Perry
Josh Cochrin
Na Kim
Dadu Shin
Taylor McKimens
Jillian Evelyn
Amber Vittoria

Sunday, November 10: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Mike Perry
Josh Cochran
Ellen Kahn
Na Kim
Kaye Blegvad
Taylor McKimens
Jillian Evelyn
Dadu Shin