Draw Derby - December 2024

'Drawing teaches us to look at the overlooked, changing the world we see and thus changing the way we move through it. Drawing is a way to love the world more intimately by paying closer and more caring attention to it.'

Text by Maria Popova (The Marginalian) in response to - Wendy MacNaughton TED Talk

Running since Janurary 2022, Draw Derby is a free, monthly, outdoor, all welcome gathering in Derby city centre. Come and meet likeminded others and DRAW together! Bring a curious and playful attitude, jump in and have a go! Draw Derby welcomes complete beginners and those experienced in drawing.

Draw Derby is:

✏️ A love letter to Derby from it's citizens (and beyond)

✏️ Simple - same place, same time, the last Saturday of the month throughout the year

✏️ Free - the monthly gatherings will always be free

✏️ Outside - being visible, a provocation in the city

✏️ Connecting with place - through regular and repeated engagement

✏️ Drawing together - an opportunity to find drawing kin

✏️ Building community - who hears the call?

✏️Welcoming - anyone who wants to draw

✏️ Gentle accountability - to show up and draw

✏️ Self-directed - for participants to use the time in whatever way suits them, under the umbrella of Draw Derby

How does it work?

We meet by The Waterfall sculpture in the Market Place at 10.30am on the last Saturday of the month throughout 2024.

We move to another location after an hour for a different viewpoint in the city.

After two hours we share drawings and exchange supportive feedback outdoors or in a local arts venue or cafe (if this is something you'd like to do - no one will be forced to share).

Please bring something to draw with and something to draw on. There are no rules about materials. No materials provided.

We all draw. This is not a tutored event. You draw what you see, in your own way.

What will we draw?

The city space will provide our inspiration, draw what's around you and focus on whatever catches your eye.

What happens in bad weather?

Sites will be chosen with the weather forecast in mind, so on rainy days we will draw in locations with overhead shelter.

What do I need to do?

Book tickets so Karen can monitor numbers

Chose what to bring and prepare sketching materials

Check the forecast and dress appropriately

Meet by The Waterfall sculpture on the date/time shown and be ready to draw

Follow on Instagram @draw_derby

Any questions?

For more information contact Karen - [email protected]

Host or Publisher Karen Logan - artist and creative practitioner