Sketchy, Nudey & Ruby: How Sydney Drinks Are Changing

In an ancient building that used to be an art school, some sketchy business is going on... luckily, it's of the funky kind.

Around ten years ago, the Arthouse Hotel had some serious refurbishment from its 1836 past, and was given the slick kind of treatment reserved for the snobby suit hangs that habitually pop up in Sydney - Ivy anyone?

But refreshingly, between the sleek minimalist/ cubist inspiration of the furniture and the arty nod to past relics, something new was happening to this city watering hole... a program of crazy events that ensured its clientele would vary from the bland standard city fare.

In particular, what has resulted is an awesome revitalisation of participation-culture that would make a Melbournian choke on their pink martini.

Regular events include Dr Sketchy's, where for $19 on a Tuesday (fortnightly), you can spend two hours drawing immaculately costumed burlesque ladies and laddies in various poses, as they start from one minute poses up to the full ten minutes. Oh, and your cover charge will also include a free drink, and a burlesque show in the middle.

If drawing performers is not your thing, the alternative is the highly-popular (and free!) Monday night life drawing (6pm-8:30pm), where the Hotel provides nude models and drinks, while everyone else brings their pencils and paper and are officially allowed to be inspired by barely more than you would see at Bondi... but still....

Then there's photography workshops ($30, 6.30pm- 9.30pm), where models are again provided, and amateurs and professionals alike can snap happy in a group setting.

Not very artistic, but like to watch? There's still plenty for you. The monthly Ruby Revue nights let you see burlesque, vaudeville, comedy, music, magic and cabaret performers strut their stuff in an ever-changing program. Or there's Cinem-Attic,  where dinner is served in the downstairs restaurant at 6pm (yes, newcomers, unfortunately this is Sydney dinner time!), followed by a movie screening in their groovy attic bar. Not to mention Friday-night Jazz Pit, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday-night Acoustic nights, and monthly exhibitions of different artists... that's a lot happening in one little building.

You can find out all the updated info and programs by visiting the website: The Arthouse Hotel - but the better thing is just to pick up your pencils, camera or self, and just go.

Photo courtesy of Geishaboy500 ... with thanks.

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