Binghamton University Art Students Compete in 24-Hour Draw-A-Thon

Annual event held at Kilmer Mansion features large-scale charcoal drawings from live models

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Ten Binghamton University art students competed in a 24-hour Draw-A-Thon this past weekend at Kilmer Mansion, spending a full day and night creating large-scale charcoal drawings from live models and the surrounding space. The event, now in its 10th year, requires students to submit a portfolio for consideration before a student committee selects participants.

Why it matters

The Draw-A-Thon is a long-standing tradition at Binghamton University that showcases the talent and creativity of its art students. The event provides an opportunity for students to push their artistic skills to the limit while fostering a sense of community among the art department.

The details

The 10 participants were chosen based on their portfolio submissions, which were evaluated by a student advisory committee. Once selected, the students worked for 24 hours straight on their large-scale charcoal drawings, with each taking a unique approach to the subject matter. Some focused on realistic angles, while others, like Soyeon Jang, took a more surrealist approach by mixing and matching the ceilings and floors.

  • The 24-hour Draw-A-Thon took place this past weekend.
  • The event is now in its 10th year.

The players

Jordan Kornreich

From Binghamton University's Department of Art & Design, who explained the selection process for the event.

Soyeon Jang

A senior minoring in painting who was selected to participate in the event for the first time this year.

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What they’re saying

“The 10 participants are chosen based on applicants who submit 10 images of work. And the Student Advisory Committee gets together and gauges who might be the best candidates for this kind of event based on what they submit in the application.”

— Jordan Kornreich, Department of Art & Design, Binghamton University (wbng.com)

“It's a very traditional thing at Binghamton for art students, but you have to submit a portfolio, and it's quite competitive. So I just couldn't get in, but I just got a luck this year.”

— Soyeon Jang, Senior, Painting Minor (wbng.com)

“I took the ceilings and floors and mix-matched everything—almost like Photoshop it. But other people were doing realistic angles. Some focused on the figure. Everyone took their own approach.”

— Soyeon Jang, Senior, Painting Minor (wbng.com)

“Red Bulls and also we got sponsored by Strange Brew Cafe. So we had a lot of caffeine in our system. And some people just took a nap. Some people just straight up. But it's caffeine.”

— Soyeon Jang, Senior, Painting Minor (wbng.com)

“Hanging out with my friend, because one of my friends is actually my model, and she's also a graduate student. She graduated from the university. It was kind of a reunion too. And then she also was a past participant. So it's everybody just hanging out as an art community.”

— Soyeon Jang, Senior, Painting Minor (wbng.com)

What’s next

Winners were announced in multiple categories, with first place receiving $500 and prizes for other placements. The event also included a non-perishable food drive to benefit local food banks. Organizers are considering holding future Draw-A-Thon events at the Kilmer Mansion.

The takeaway

The Binghamton University Draw-A-Thon showcases the dedication and creativity of the school's art students, who push their skills to the limit over 24 hours of intense drawing. The event fosters a strong sense of community within the art department and provides a platform for students to showcase their talents.