Spotlight on Detroit – Sketchbattle JR Launch Cultivates Aspiring

Middlecott Sketchbattle Championships is pleased to announce Detroit is hosting the first-ever Sketchbattle JR. Launching in Detroit on October 26, 2019, the event will partner leading automotive design professionals with youth artists for an unprecedented free experiential and educational opportunity. Presented by Wells Fargo, the sketch training session is free for all attendees.

The offspring of the legendary Middlecott Sketchbattle, held in conjunction with auto shows around the world, Sketchbattle JR is a unique chance for kids with an interest in art and design, particularly automotive sketching, to receive mentoring from some of the best in the business without financial barriers or limitations. The day is orientated towards boys and girls from 10-18 years old.

“We are excited to bring this event to life and hopefully inspire a whole new generation of designers,” said Brook Banham, Creator, Middlecott Sketchbattle and Sketchbattle JR. “What Sketchbattle has done for raising awareness of sketching and celebrating it as an artform at the roots of design has been incredible over the years and we can’t wait to see the opportunities that can arise for the youth participating in our junior edition.”

Participants will be broken into small groups and paired with design pros from such notable companies as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Rivian, FCA and more. The teens will spend time working closely with their mentor learning sketching tips and discovering what it’s like to work in the exciting field of auto design.

The team has recruited students from school districts throughout Metro Detroit as well as working with organizations such as the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation Youth Center, Cass Tech and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Sketchbattle JR will continue their Detroit initiative with monthly sketching workshops within the Detroit Hispanic Development Corp.

“Working with local organizations in each community that we visit is key to the success of each Sketchbattle JR workshop. It’s wonderful to be able to discover untapped talent in these young designers and bring their skills to the forefront,” said Frank Schwartz of Advanced Automotive Consulting Services and partner in Middlecott Sketchbattle Championships.

Banham explained that the event also provides an opportunity for parents to gain valuable insight into the field and the potential lucrative career paths their children with creative interests and aptitude can explore. “By creating this environment of real-world experience, we are able to showcase how pursuing an art degree can lead to very tangible career paths at a pivotal time in their children’s development.”


Much like the original Sketchbattle, the day will also be full of excitement and entertainment and a little healthy competition. There will be an onsite car show, food trucks and much more for all attendees. At the close of the day, any participant who feels like competing can be part of the live sketching contest. Prizes include premium gifts from Mattel’s Hot Wheels™and scholarships to art camp sessions at the College for Creative Studies.

Following the inaugural event in Detroit, Sketchbattle JR will be hosting events at Auto Shows across the country including, but not limited to Atlanta, Phoenix, Portland and Kansas City.

The event will be held from 10:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at Lafayette Garage, 2000 W. Lafayette, Corktown, Detroit. To RSVP, get your free tickets at Eventbrite, Sketchbattle JR and for more information contact Brook Banham at brook@middlecott.comor 415.845.1680. For a firsthand look check out the short promo video here

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