ALBANY — Artist Marcus Kwame will teach a “Learning to Draw” workshop at the historic Underground Railroad Education Center where he is a member.

The center is located at 194 Livingston Avenue in Albany, which was once the home of abolitionists Harriet and Stephen Myers. The first workshop, for beginner and intermediate artists, will be held on Oct. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The workshop’s teacher, according to his website, Marcus Kwame Anderson, was born in Kingston, Jamaica and moved to upstate New York at an early age.

“I’m an illustrator and fine artist who has been creating art since I was able to lift a crayon,” he writes. “Much of my work is a representation of the beauty and diversity of the African Diaspora. I believe that the arts can be a powerful vehicle for change and I often incorporate social commentary into my work. I have a lot to say and art is my favorite form of communication.”

He graduated from the State University of New York College at Fredonia with a degree in illustration and is the co-creator of the ongoing comic book series, Snow Daze, and the illustrator of the all-ages detective series, Cash and Carrie.

“Build skills in composition, line, perspective, depth, lighting, and shading,” says a notice about the workshop. “Students will learn how to draw from observation as well as how to ‘loosen up’ using gesture drawing techniques and thumbnails in order to create more natural and energetic drawings.”

“Drawn to Art with Marcus” will continue on Nov. 17 and Dec.15. Costs for the workshop are $20 per student for one class or $50 per student for three classes (Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15) if paid by the first class. This workshop is recommended for ages 15 and up. To register, visit https://undergroundrailroadhistory.org/events/ or contact (518) 621-7793.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer