In January 2022 I shared my Draw Derby idea and welcomed people to participate in a monthly outdoor gathering for anyone who wanted to draw in Derby City Centre. Draw Derby holds a space to inhabit the city in a quietly powerful way, to be still, observe and draw together, meeting likeminded others in the process. Draw Derby gatherings will always be free.
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's touching to witness Draw Derby being embraced by so many and an honour to observe the impact that committing to regular drawing has on participants lives. As of May 2024 Draw Derby has welcomed 90 participants who have made 423 visits to Derby Market Place and venues in the city centre and beyond.
For more information and images of Draw Derby gatherings please see Instagram, where you'll find a link in bio for tickets on Eventbrite.
Join us ✏️
2022
Ribbon Canopy, Iron Gate - March
May
Museum of Making - The Assembladge - May
Market Place - June
Pickford House - September
2023
Market Place - March
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
Waterfall - January
