What we’re about
We’re a NEW curated but welcoming community of artists, creatives, and curious humans gathering for figure drawing and other creative experiences at The Grounding Loft—a beautiful, light-filled studio in Norwood’s historic Winsmith Mill.
We meet to draw—but it’s not just about drawing.
Figure Drawing at The Grounding Loft is a social, creative gathering where people come to unplug, slow down, and connect—with themselves, with others, and with the human form.
We’re artists, photographers, yogis, stay-at-home and working parents, retirees, therapists, and seekers. Some of us draw professionally. Some haven’t picked up a pencil in 20 years. Some—like me—just want to get better.
Your skill level doesn’t matter. It’s totally okay if you’re outgoing, shy, quirky, or just figuring it out. Just don’t be creepy. We will figure that out early.
### 📸 A Friendly Note About Joining
We love a good cat photo ( actually I don't) , a sunset, feet at the end of pool lounger or a good flower - but this is an in-person community, and we really do need to know who’s in the room with us.
For that reason, we ask that members have a clear, current photo of themselves on their profile—or, if you prefer to keep it private, just send us one via message or email. hello@thegrounfing loft.com and kindly fill out the google form 1 or the other, preferably BOTH
artist link
model link
Why? Because figure drawing is vulnerable, human, and real—and we need to make sure everyone showing up… is a real person.
No judgment. Just transparency.
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Now on to the deets ......
✏️ Each session includes:
- A mix of short and long poses from live models
- A curated balance of human bodies, featuring both professional and volunteer models
- A low-pressure, no-instruction environment (no critique, just presence and practice)
- Light snacks, tea, or wine, and a warm, relaxed vibe
- Cool music
This isn’t a class. It’s a community. But if you have skills and wish to teach, message me.
If you’ve been glued to a screen, feeling isolated, or just craving something real—this is for you.
🖌️ Thinking of Modeling? Not Thinking of modeling?
If you're joining as an artist, I invite you to consider stepping into the role of the model—even just once.
Never modeled before? Perfect. You're exactly the kind of human we want up there.
You don’t need abs—we also take flabs.
You don’t need experience—just willingness, trust, and curiosity
Everyone draws. Dare to be drawn.
You might just discover something about yourself.
Yes, I know it might terrify you. But ask yourself: What kind of empathy are you building when you draw others?
Now imagine flipping that moment—being seen, not as perfect, but as human.
This is a safe, private, and respectful space.
As a semi-professional art photographer for 40 + yrs - I’ve worked with hundreds of people posing nude for the first time. Most describe it as unexpectedly freeing. This is drawing, This is easier. This is shared. No Internet, no one will know.
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🎨 Want to Help Shape This Project?
We’re looking for a few kind and curious people to help organize, greet, set up snacks, or connect us with new models. This is a co-created space—your ideas and energy are welcome.
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🌱 Beyond Drawing: Let’s Build More Together
We’re a new group, and we’re looking to cultivate community.
The Grounding Loft is more than just a drawing space—it’s a gathering space.
We envision:
Yoga Meets
Drawing Meets
Photo Meets
Meditation Meets
Have an idea? Want to host a gathering or lead an event?
🎤 Hit me up.
The Grounding Loft is available at low, subsidized rates for creative professionals and thoughtful collaborators. Let’s make something beautiful, weird, grounding, and real—together.
## 💡 Facilitator-Friendly: Share Your Work
The Grounding Loft isn’t just a space to attend events—it’s a platform for emerging facilitators to bring something new into the world.
Have a practice, passion, or idea you’d love to share? We make it easy—with no need to rent a studio or run your own Meetup.
You bring the vision.
We provide the space.
We co-promote under our umbrella.
We share the proceeds.
Whether it’s a one-time gathering or something more regular, we welcome aligned collaborators who want to contribute and grow.
## 🌀 Group Culture
This is a space for presence over opinion.
Believe it or not, slowing down, staying open, and spending time with people who aren’t exactly like you might just make you a better human.
We’re not here to fix the world—or let you try.
No soapboxes. No agendas.
Just shared time, shared passion for the thing, and a little grace.
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## 📵 A Word About Phones
Phones & Photography at Drawing Nights
To protect the privacy of our models—and to support the focused, analog spirit of the space—absolutely no phones or photography of any kind is permitted during figure drawing sessions. This includes phones, tablets, cameras, and even casual snaps of your sketchbook.
We ask all participants to check their phones in the cubbies for the duration of the event. If you need to check your phone, please step outside quietly during a break.
Think of this as nervous system care: presence on, devices off.
If keeping your phone on “just in case” feels essential, it is not the right night to attend. We're cultivating something rare—and your not special, even if your mom thinks you are.
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## 🧾 Group Policies & Agreements
A FEW RULES TO KEEP US ORGANIZED AND SAFE:
PICTURE POLICY:
We require that you have a photo (for security reasons) that is a current picture of yourself on your Meetup profile that clearly shows your face (without sunglasses), and we need to know your real name. If your preference is to be a bit anonymous on Meetup, you may email it to us. Anyone without a photo and name will not be allowed to attend events.
RSVP POLICY:
PLEASE RSVP with integrity as space is limited & it's not fair to others or the venue to do a last minute cancellation. Last minute cancellations (meaning after the event closes - time which can be seen on the app if set for the event) count as NO SHOWS & it's 3 strikes you're out of the group. Emergencies/illness happen--we get it--and it only takes a few seconds to change your RSVP from ATTENDING to NOT ATTENDING. This is also YOUR responsibility. And it's common courtesy.
WAITLISTS:
You are responsible for managing your own RSVP when on a WAITLIST. IF you stay on a WAITLIST, you could move to the going list at any time. If you assume you will not get on the going list and make other plans, it is YOUR responsibility to update your RSVP to not going to avoid a no show or last minute cancellation. You have potentially taken a spot away from another member who would have loved to join the event.
CODE OF CONDUCT AND DISCLAIMER:
By participating in any event, activity, gathering, or initiative organized by The Grounding Loft (the “Club”), you acknowledge and agree to the following:
- Voluntary Participation: All participation in Club events is strictly voluntary. Attendees assume full responsibility for their actions and interactions, and participate at their own risk.
- No Duty of Care: The Club and its main organizer(s), officers, agents, and volunteers (collectively, the “Organizers”) do not owe a legal duty of care to attendees beyond that required by law. The Club is a voluntary, non-commercial social group and makes no warranties or guarantees about safety, fitness, or suitability of any event, venue, or participant.
- Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Organizers shall not be liable for any injury, illness, loss, damage, liability, or expense of any kind (including but not limited to physical or emotional injury, property damage, theft, or death) arising out of or related to participation in any Club event or activity.
- Assumption of Risk: You understand that certain activities may carry inherent risks, and by participating, you knowingly and voluntarily assume all such risks, both known and unknown.
- Third-Party Venues and Services: The Club may host events at third-party locations or involve third-party services. The Club and Organizers do not control these third parties and are not responsible for their actions, omissions, or policies.
- Media Release: By attending events, you grant the Organizers permission to use photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during events for promotional purposes, unless you explicitly request otherwise in writing prior to the event.
- Code of Conduct: Participants are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly. The Organizers reserve the right to deny participation or remove individuals from events for disruptive, inappropriate, or dangerous behavior, at their sole discretion.
- Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Organizers from any claims, demands, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your actions during or related to participation in any Club activity.
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BY ATTENDING OR PARTICIPATING IN A GROUNDING LOFT EVENT, YOU CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS DISCLAIMER.