Connect & Create Club - National Gallery

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Ready to tap into your creative side while exploring one of London’s most iconic cultural spaces — and meeting like-hearted people along the way? You’re in the right place.

This month, we’re celebrating one year of the club with a very special anniversary gathering at the National Gallery, where creativity and connection meet once again.

🎨 Guided by professional illustrator and artist Alex Quick, we’ll gently wander through the gallery, sketching, observing, and unlocking our creative flow. No drawing experience needed — just bring a sketchbook (or journal) and an open heart. Alex will offer simple drawing tips and supportive guidance to help you express yourself freely and discover your own unique creative style.

💫 Afterward, Essi Virtanen, intuitive connection coach and founder of Connected You, will guide us into a reflective circle — a mindful, heartful creative practice to deepen self-connection and shared presence.

This is a space to slow down, reconnect, and express yourself — whether you’re picking up a pencil for the first time in years or simply craving a new way to connect with yourself and others in an inspiring setting.

🎭🖌 Everyone is welcome. Come exactly as you are.

Check out Alex’s art here: @alexquickart

This is for any humans seeking meaningful connection, deep conversations, creativity and a space to be truly seen and heard. If you’re looking to expand your circle, make new friends, and be part of a supportive community—this is your tribe!

We see you. We hear you. We've got you. 💫

• 12:30pm Gather the group with introductions and a gentle prompt related to the day's theme
• 12:45pm Enter the museum sharp.
• 1:00pm - Creative roaming around together, learn drawing techniques and the gallery in a relaxed way to connect with the space and your senses
• 3 PM- 4PM Closing Creative Circle around Coffee: We will gather to connect about our experiences during the event!

What to Bring

• A sketchbook (preferably a hardback one - consider this your creative journal!)
• Drawing tools (pens, pencils—whatever you like to use!)
• Any extra supplies you’d like for sketching. We will also have some pens that you can use!✨

Book your spot now for a creative and connected afternoon together. 💛

WHAT PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED WALK AND TALK CLUB BEFORE SAID:

"The art walk and talk was amazing. It was thoroughly organised. Logistics was sent a few days before hand. Women were lovely and the facilitators were kind. You didn't need to know art and just come along for a unique experince as a group. I felt a nice sisterhood energy and there was diversity in ages, race and a support for lgbt community which highlights it ethos for togetherness. So glad I went."

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"The group were very open and honest, and the walk was lovely. There was no pressure to talk if we didn’t feel like it during our circle which was great for new or shy members. "

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"It was a last minute booking for me the night before, I just thought, “hey, why not? Go for it!” It exceeded my expectations. I arrived a bit late, in a bit of a fluster, and feeling a bit drained and emotional. I left feeling completely different - my heart was full! Spent hours chatting with the lovely ladies I met, and even ended up going to the cinema with a couple of them after the walk!"

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"Lovely group with a wonderful purpose, to form connections in whatever way you are needing that particular day or time in your life. I appreciated how it felt very inclusive and personal. I will definitely be returning 😊"

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"It was genial, I loved talking to all the women whom I found very inspiring and amazing for various reasons. I was apprehensive as don't always find it easy to access my feminine softer side so often nothing labeled women only I sometimes approach with wary, but I'm happy I've done this, it was incredible being in this amazing space with amazing women. I was surprised I've opened up much more than I expected. I loved the meditative experience and oracle card sharing stories. Also the location was gorgeous. Had an absolutely beautiful time."

ABOUT CONNECTED YOU COMMUNITY

Self-connection is the transformation.

We create heart-led coaching and mentoring experiences where we guide you to back to what matters: back home to yourself.

We bring people together through circles, walk-and-talk clubs, creative clubs, soul-nourishing events and retreats, creating transformative spaces that are accessible, joyful, and full of heart.

At Connected You, we believe in the power of self-connection to transform everything.

We believe that meaningful connection starts within. That deeper relationships, clarity, and courage come when you pause and meet yourself honestly — with compassion, curiosity, and care.

Founded by Essi Auguste Virtanen, a coach and former journalist who knows the power of story, Connected You began as a lifeline during lockdown — a place for people to feel seen, heard, and held. Essi’s work blends the art of storytelling with evidence-based coaching to create spaces that are real, restorative, and deeply human.

We believe belonging is our birthright. And when we wear our hearts on our sleeves, we create a world where meaningful connection is easier to find — and self-connection becomes a daily practice that changes everything.

OUR VALUES

Connection is our everything.

Curiosity is our love language.

Courage is how we move through the world.

Belonging is our birthright.

Our Mission

We strive to make community and support accessible to all, ensuring our events are affordable. No one should be denied connection due to financial constraints.

In a world that is filled with separation and juxtaposition, people feel more disconnected than ever. We believe in creating confidential, safe, inclusive spaces to connect both virtually and in person to battle against this disconnection we see through high statistics of depression, loneliness, and suicide.

To be part of the tribe, join our mailing list to hear first what happens next at: https://connected-you-letters-with-essi.beehiiv.com/

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Essi Auguste Virtanen