The global phenomenon that bills itself as "the world's premier alternative drawing movement," has reached Victoria.

Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School, which began in New York but now exists in more than 100 cities around the world, takes life drawing out of the classroom and into the informal and festive setting of a bar.

"It's basically about trying to take the idea of life drawing — and how structured and rigid it is in the art world — and loosening it up so it's a social experience," said Kasia Waissmann, who will run the event in Victoria. "Anti-art is about putting it in a new environment without those restraints."

No one will judge the art, and artists of all levels are invited to participate.

"It's really about creating art, having fun and enjoying a few drinks," Waissmann said.

The Superior Café in James Bay hosts the second monthly event Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 10:30. Tickets are $12, available in advance at the café or at the door, subject to availability. Participants should bring their own art supplies.

Molly Crabapple, a 22-year-old art school dropout, hosted the first Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School in a dive bar in Brooklyn in 2005. The artist, author and entrepreneur has had her work featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Marvel Comics. She also co-created the graphic novel Scarlett Takes Manhattan.

Since that first show, the phenomenon has exploded around the globe.

More than 3,500 artists attend Dr. Sketchy events each month, in 16 countries across five continents.

"It's largely based on cabaret and burlesque [culture]," Waissmann said. "But every branch that has one makes it unique to itself."

Only one venue in each city is awarded a licence — she said the Superior Café would lend a bohemian vibe to Victoria's chapter. Eleven other Canadian cities host the event, including Nanaimo and Vancouver.

The first round of Dr. Sketchy in Victoria sold out in January, when Eva Destruction modelled.

"The theme for this upcoming Dr. Sketchy is musical ladies," said Waissman, who chose performers Natasha Enquist and Lily Fawn to fit the tradition of "glamourous, subculture models." Enquist is an accordionist, while Fawn plays the musical saw, trumpet, theremin, flute and drums — typically with musical partner Hank Pine.

"They're both very unique ladies and I think that's what Dr. Sketchy embodies," said Waissmann.

Sketching begins at 7 p.m. Each model will pose individually for a series of sketches — five two-minute poses, four five-minute poses, then one 10-minute pose. Waissmann, who hosts the evening, will provide inspiration for the crowd in the form of music or audience participation — asking an audience member to pose the model, for example.

Finally, the two models will pose together.

Chef Torin Egan has prepared a Dr. Sketchy-inspired menu for all the starving artists out there. The menu promises to be an affordable mix of mostly local, seasonal food. Salt Spring Island Ales and Phillips Beer will also be on special.

Future Dr. Sketchy nights at the Superior Café are scheduled for March 21 and April 18.

asmart@timescolonist.com