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. Just participate for the right reasons.

### 📸 A Friendly Note About Joining

We love a good cat photo 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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## 📵 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 recording devices of any kind are 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.