Atomic Rooster training local artists

With faces flush and beers in hand, dozens of artists flocked to the Atomic Rooster to not only to quench their thirst, but to also work with tattooed, bodacious models.

It’s not an unusual scene at the Atomic Rooster—almost every night something new is up on their stage. It attracts a diverse crowd and it’s a meeting place for some of Ottawa’s most talented artists.

“You can’t kick a can without hitting an artist on Bank Street,” says Peter Purdy, the organizer of the event. “There are a lot of us here.”

Purdy organized the ‘live open workshop’, allowing artists to sketch with live models at the Atomic Rooster. It’s a fantastic way to bring the community together, he says.

“I used to own a gallery in the west end, where I always challenged artists to push their boundaries”

“It’s all about practice.”

With the help of the Atomic Rooster and donations from participating artists, Purdy is almost able to cover the cost of the models for the show—but he still pays out of his pocket. He says he stomachs the loss in order to provide budding and casual sketchers an opportunity to work with live models, an expensive experience which often requires a membership at an art college.

“It’s a simple. You get to work with several models in a great atmosphere.”

On May 20, Purdy will be returning to the Rooster with a super hero themed event, where even he will model.

“I’ve got an idea for a costume—you’ll just have to come out and see.”