About this Event
A free monthly drawing session in Derby city centre - everyone welcome.
Founded by Karen Logan in January 2022, Draw Derby is now run by Jenny Stevenson and a group of regulars who share a love of drawing and exploring the city. Over the years it has grown into a friendly, informal drawing community, bringing together people of all ages and levels of experience to draw alongside one another.
We meet in Derby Market Hall before heading out into the city to draw. Each month we choose a different location, giving us the chance to see familiar places from new viewpoints and discover parts of Derby we might otherwise walk straight past.
You don't need to be an experienced artist. Come along with a curious and playful attitude, have a go and draw in whatever way suits you. We welcome complete beginners, experienced artists and everyone in between.
Draw Derby is:
✏️ Simple - the same meeting place, the same time, on the last Saturday of the month throughout the year.
✏️ Free - there is no charge to take part.
✏️ Out in the city - drawing together in public and being visible in the places we live and visit.
✏️ Connecting with place - looking closely at Derby through regular and repeated engagement with the city.
✏️ Drawing together - an opportunity to meet other people who enjoy drawing and find your drawing community.
✏️ Building community - a friendly, informal gathering where everyone is welcome.
✏️ Welcoming - whether you've been drawing for years or haven't picked up a pencil since school.
✏️ Gentle accountability - make a date with yourself to show up and draw.
✏️ Self-directed - there is no set exercise or required outcome. Use the two hours in whatever way works for you.
How does it work?
We meet in Derby Market Hall at 10.30am on the last Saturday of each month.
We'll meet in the seating area near SHIO and spend a few minutes getting settled and welcoming people as they arrive. At 10.45am we'll head out together to that month's drawing location.
We'll spend around two hours drawing, before returning to the Market Hall or another nearby venue to share drawings and have a cuppa. Sharing is entirely optional - there's no pressure to show your work.
We all draw. This is not a tutored session. You choose what to draw, what materials to use and how you want to work.
What will we draw?
Whatever catches your eye.
Derby's streets, buildings, bridges, shopfronts, industrial heritage, public spaces, people, details and unexpected corners all provide inspiration.
Some months we'll focus on a particular building or area; other times we'll simply explore and see what we find.
The aim is to look closely, slow down and see the city differently.
What should I bring?
Bring something to draw with and something to draw on.
Pens, pencils, watercolour, coloured pencils, charcoal, collage - whatever you enjoy using. There are no rules about materials and no materials are provided.
A portable seat can also be useful, although we'll choose locations where there are opportunities to sit where possible.
Please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, as we spend much of the session outdoors.
What happens in bad weather?
We keep an eye on the forecast when choosing each month's location.
Where possible, we'll choose a location with overhead shelter or an indoor option so that we can keep drawing whatever the weather brings.
What do I need to do?
Book a free ticket so we can keep an eye on numbers.
Bring your sketching materials.
Check the forecast and dress appropriately.
Meet us in Derby Market Hall at 10.30am on the date shown on the event.
We'll head to the drawing location at 10.45am, so if you're running a little late, don't worry - just come and find us!
Then all you need to do is show up and draw!
Follow @drawderby on Instagram for monthly location announcements, reminders and drawings from previous sessions.
Travel Information
Derby Market Hall is in the heart of Derby city centre.
Derby Bus Station is approximately a 5-minute walk away, with regular services operated by Trent Barton and Arriva.
Derby Train Station is around a 20-minute walk from the Market Hall.
Nearby car parks include Bold Lane and Chapel Street and parking cards can be validated at the Museum and Art Gallery or the Museum of Making to give a discounted rate of £2.70 for a day. Parking information and charges can change, so please check current details before travelling.
Any questions?
For more information, please contact Jenny at [email protected]
Event venue & nearby stays
Derby Market Hall, Tennant Street, Derby, United Kingdom
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