Drawing from life and death

Since the dawn of human existence Nature has inspired curiosity and creativity. Join us in the lantern-lit environment of Secret Headquarters as we explore the mysteries of the natural world, drawing the remarkable sculptural remains of animals illuminated by the light of pure beeswax candles.

Artist and environmentalist Celina Starnes will offer natural history related to each animal to deepen your understanding of

these creatures, as composer/guitarist Ron Samworth improvises a gently inspiring environment.

Note: These drawing sessions will be held the first Thursday of every month, for just $20, or 3 sessions for $50.

Event Notes / Be Prepared:

• Bring your favourite drawing supplies or experiment with ours
• This event is best suited for participants ages 11+
• Complimentary tea & snacks, with additional beverages by donation

Your donation contributes directly to supporting our programming of cultural learning and artistic sharing. If you have financial barriers preventing you from purchasing a ticket, please email and we will do our best to accommodate you. We are sincerely grateful for all support.

Celina Starnes’ day job is the Outreach Director at the Endangered Ecosystems Alliance, a national conservation organization. There, she is driving forward solutions to the biodiversity and climate crises by fostering meaningful collaboration across diverse stakeholders, accelerating conservation on a national scale. She grew up in Montreal, fully enjoying the city’s rich culture, as she started a career in visual arts. After completing schooling at the McGill School of Environment, she headed west to BC to start contributing to nature protection in creative ways. After the workday is done, she enjoys dreaming up novel ideas for nature-centred events that introduce people to ecology in fun and sometimes weird ways! These events are a throwback to her many years in environmental education at Ducks Unlimited, Metro Vancouver Parks, and at Stanley Park.

Ron Samworth, Vancouver guitarist, composer, improviser, and bandleader Ron Samworth is probably well-known to anyone who has made a habit of attending major Canadian jazz or creative music festivals from the mid-'90s onward. As a collaborative leader and principal composer of Talking Pictures, Ron also co-lead the acclaimed NOW Orchestra. He is know to Canadian audiences for his provocative collaborations with groups such as Lunar Adventures and the 1990 CBC National Jazz Competition winners Creatures of Habit. His improvised sound explorations with poets and dancers included ongoing involvement with the EDAM Dance company, and Samworth's playing credits include Barry Guy, Marilyn Crispell, George Lewis, Wayne Horvitz, Butch Morris, Bobby Previte, Vinny Golia, Jay Clayton, Rene Lussier, and electro-acoustic composer Paul Doldern. He has composed for the Hard Rubber Orchestra, Standing Wave, the NOW Orchestra, and various film and theatre projects and was the founding co-artistic director of the creative music collective New Orchestra Workshop (NOW). He currently teaches Jazz Studies at the School of Performing Arts at Capilano University.

Secret Headquarters is gratefully situated on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. We honor, respect, and give thanks to our hosts.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Secret Headquarters, 1398 E 3rd Ave, Vancouver, Canada