In 2022 I set up Draw Derby: a free monthly gathering for people who wish to draw outside in Derby City Centre. The intention is to create a space to inhabit the city in a quietly powerful way, to be still, observe and draw together, meeting likeminded others in the process.
We use the city as easel and inspiration: benches, bollards and planters become supports for sketchbooks. We meet in the same place at the same time each month and experience a familiar and different city - we witness and record change.
Draw Derby provides a time, date and meeting place and the rest is up to the individual - what their mornings focus is, what they draw with, how they draw. We all draw, no-one teaches, beginner and experienced drawing together. At the close of the two hours we visit a local independent cafe and share work (if people want to - no pressure).
It has been interesting watching the years unfold, how Draw Derby has been received and what impacts committing to regular drawing has on the participants lives. Draw Derby continues into 2024, all 2024 dates available on Eventbrite here.
The heart of Draw Derby is to keep it simple and free.
For more information and images click for Draw Derby's Instagram - link in bio for the current months free tickets on Eventbrite.
Join us ✏️
Market Place - June
2023
Waterfall Sculpture - January
Museum of Making - January
Museum & Art Gallery - March
Waterfall, Market Place - April
August
Market Place - September
Museum of the Moon
Derby Cathedral - October
Museum & Art Gallery cafe - November
Museum & Art Gallery - November
2024
Market Place - January
Waterfall - January