Workbook's Creative Carnival party took place Thursday night, and the event was an outrageous, smashing success. With the outstanding mid-town Art Directors Club as the venue, The more than fifty photographers and illustrators took center stage to create their impressions of the Carnival scene. Twenty-five Workbook illustrators sketched what they saw, and at least as many Workbook photographers shot the scene: a contortionist, freak show, lion tamer, and burlesque performers. How about drag queens serving incredible libations and hors de oeuvres? Creative Carnival was not your average cocktail party by any means. Workbook kicked off Halloween weekend with a unique vibe that created a night no attendee will forget anytime soon. Nothing was too strange, too abstract or too risque, and an anything-goes mood defined the evening. Perhaps the most spectacular piece of art on display at the event was created by legendary 3D chalk artist, Tracy Lee Stum. A life-size lion rose seamlessly from the floor to the ceiling, and attendees were eager to assume a role and be photographed taming the king of the jungle with a whip included to complete the look of Indiana Jones.









As the performers prepared to make their way on stage, the tension in the room was heightened because many of the artists were essentially the performers as well. They knew an excited and intrigued audience was eagerly watching to see what the artists would produce in such a dynamic setting. One illustrator explained his mood, which seemed to be shared by many others: “I’m a little nervous. The last time I sketched while someone looked over my shoulder, I was in art school.” This certainly was no art-school assignment.











When the performers and models actually began their roles and the music bumped a little louder, their focus took over, and the artists worked as if alone in their studios. The illustrators sketched piece after piece of high-energy art, and these recorders of the wild scene took center stage. Surrounded by art directors and other top creative industry professionals striving to catch a glimpse of the action, Workbook artists created spectacular art in real time. As the pieces rolled off the design tables, they were pinned to the wall and live-auction bidding began. When the enthusiastic response finally ended, thousands of dollars had been raised for the ADC scholarship fund. Although most revelers were hesitant to leave the packed showroom, as the curtain came down all who attended left Creative Carnival in awe of a night packed with creative energy, amazing work, and twisted fun.