ARTISTS are encouraged to grab their sketchpad and a cocktail during life-drawing sessions with a difference at a new Chester city centre bar.

Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School is coming to the Waikiki tiki bar in Watergate Street where burlesque performer Amber Ray will strike up a variety of poses.

Heather Jones of Extinct Design Vintage Clothing is bringing Dr Sketchy’s to Chester after setting up a North Wales branch.

Organisers say Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School is the ‘little New York art event that became a movement’. Started in 2005 by artist Molly Crabapple, the concept is simple involves artists drawing glamorous burlesque dancers, competing in contests, and winning wacky prizes.

From its humble Brooklyn beginnings, Dr Sketchy’s now has more than 100 branches around the globe, including Los Angeles, London, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, and Melbourne.

Heather said: “It’s fabulous news! I’m passionate about bringing this particular brand of life drawing to Chester. Drawing should be enjoyed by everyone whether they’ve been to art school or yet to hold a pencil! ”

Tickets for the event from 3pm on Sunday cost £6. Call Heather on 07970 855 289, email madame@drsketchynorthwales.co.uk or visit www.drsketchynorthwales.co.uk

Participants must be at least aged 18.