The Big Draw:
people, creatures and green things

An artist residency at the Substation, Roslindale
January through March, 2026

The Big Draw, a community based drawing project, is inspired by the inhabitants of Roslindale Village and neighboring Arnold Arboretum: the plants, animals and people who call its hills home.  During a 3-month artist residency sited at The Substation in Roslindale, Meg Rotzel, Bonnie Duncan and The Gottabees highlight the neighborhood’s habitats and vitality. 

Throughout the residency we will generate drawings and performance elements by hosting community drawing events with The Gottabees that will produce a large-scale drawing by Meg Rotzel. This monumental drawing, an ode to life in the neighborhood, will be presented in the heart of Roslindale on The Substation’s prominent window that overlooks Adam’s Park during the dark winter months.
Here are some highlights from our community draw on Saturday January 24, 2026:

​This program is supported by a grant from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and the City of Boston. 
This program is also supported by Substation Community Supporters.
Illustration by Meg Rotzel
photos from The Big Draw with The Gottabees & Meg Rotzel at The Substation by Evelyn Jackson