Draw A Bird Day (2020)

by | Apr 29, 2020 | Celebration, Creativity | 7 comments

Ever since around 2012, I’ve been celebrating unusual holidays, and the first year I started, I tried to get people to join in with me, but it was difficult. It was in no way “mainstream” yet. People weren’t profiting off of it on Instagram posts, and it wasn’t “cute” yet. The fact that I was bringing in 20 giant bags of chips on National Potato Chip Day to the office was just another way Mary was “being weird again”.

Over the years, unusual holidays have grown in popularity. First, with ones people identified easily with. Like Margarita Day so they had an excuse to drink a margarita. Or Talk Like A Pirate Day because it’s just so damn absurd. And then Instagrammers and bloggers started realizing they could create content around unusual holidays and brands realized there was probably at least one unusual holiday that highlighted their product and they could hype things up around that holiday. The buzz started to grow.

My buzz grew that first April in 2012, when I texted everyone in my phone and asked all my coworkers and Facebook friends to please please please Draw A Bird for Draw A Bird Day. To please humor me. It didn’t need to be something you were going to sell in an art show. It could be a quick pencil stick figure sketch. It could take thirty seconds. But please draw a bird, and send me a picture.

The results I got were so fantastic, I was overjoyed. And I’m not talking about the actual drawings (which were obviously beautiful and outstanding themselves); I’m talking about the texts that accompanied the pictures. People told me that they were originally annoyed at me for being so persistent about them drawing a bird, but that they did it for me because they love me and it ended up being this great break they took in their day and they ended up having fun with it! That they were really proud of their bird, and told other people about Draw A Bird Day, and shared their picture online and with their significant other.

That was what I had been trying to explain to people for months, and what I still try to explain to people today. Unusual holidays make great content, yes. But they are gentle reminders to celebrate something we greatly overlook most of the year. Unusual holidays are about that little bit of excitement in your day where you flip your routine on its head and do something a little different. Where you celebrate the mundane in sometimes a completely absurd way. How beautiful is that?

This year, I got more of a turnout than ever before, and I think it was one of the sparkly linings of COVID-19. So many people are spending their days in new ways, have more “free time”, and are looking for something to do. I actually forgot about Draw A Bird Day until almost midnight. I couldn’t believe even with everything going on, I had almost forgotten my FAVORITE unusual holiday! I quickly made announcements across all social media platforms, texted and DM’d people till my thumbs hurt, and without hesitation the birds came flying in. Pun intended.

It’s so interesting because there’s usually two different reactions I get to this simple request.

  • The first is, “Oh my gosh yes!” and I immediately get a bird back in whatever style they decide to do.
  • The other is, “I’m not an artist, I don’t know how to draw”.

I have a pretty canned response to the second response which reminds them that this is just for fun, I’m not a drawing type artist either, and the whole point of this is just for fun, and you might even be surprised at what you create! It’s about getting out of your mind and into your body, something we can all use even more right now. There is no right answer to this prompt. The only “right” thing is to participate! To pick up a pen and try! I’m so impressed with how many people participated given how we’ve all been feeling, and I am so grateful for the birds that filled my inboxes.

Also, please don’t forget the spirit of unusual holidays is to remind us to celebrate the mundane. And if you’re a day late doing that, the spirit still counts. The idea is to get you to celebrate life. If you dress up like a pirate two days after Talk Like A Pirate Day, it might even be weirder and cooler because you’re the only one doing it! Don’t be a so strict to the schedule.

For example, Draw A Bird Day was weeks ago, and I’m just now getting the energy to put this post together! That doesn’t make it any less amazing. And if you missed the prompt, there is NO reason you can’t sit down and draw a bird today!

Let’s see those birds!

PS – I got so many from so many sources and have been so scatter brained that I didn’t do a very good job of cataloging who did what. I tried to go back and read through every DM and thread, but I missed more than a handful. I’m so sorry!!! If your bird isn’t labeled, PLEASE comment and/or e-mail me so I can edit the post and properly credit you! Or if I somehow didn’t post your bird! Thank you again for participating, Draw A Bird Day wouldn’t be the same without you! We had at least 64 participants this year. New record!

Draw A Bird Day (2020) | Uncustomary
Mary

Draw A Bird Day (2020) | Uncustomary
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Draw A Bird Day (2020) | Uncustomary
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Draw A Bird Day (2020) | Uncustomary
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Draw A Bird Day (2020) | Uncustomary
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Draw A Bird Day (2020) | Uncustomary
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Draw A Bird Day (2020) | Uncustomary
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Draw A Bird Day (2020) | Uncustomary
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Draw A Bird Day (2020) | Uncustomary
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Jessica

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Pretty great, huh? Which bird was your favorite?

This was the first year that we had Draw A Bird Day since Ducks Have Been So Hot, and I think it’s safe to say I’ll be drawing ducks from now on. 🙂

Check out some past years:




In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle