Art Groups London

Sketchbook: National Portrait Gallery

Trying out something a bit different this week. Let's sketch inside the National Portrait Gallery! (Ive changed this from a Friday night late to Saturday instead) This is by far and away my favourite gallery in London so this one should be special :D Let's meet outside the entrance to the gallery at 18.30. I'll wait outside for a bit for any stragglers and then we can all meet again back outside at 20.30. Maybe we can grab a drink at the lovely Chandos pub afterwards! Nearest Tube Stop: Leicester Square/Charing Cross Completely free of charge, no need to sign up, bring a friend! Feel free to drop in for the whole two hours or just short while if you'd prefer. Look for the tall ginger fella sketching away as the central meetup spot, but feel free to roam as far and wide as you like and sketch anything you damn well please! Please bring your own sketchbooks and pens/pencils. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- About Sketchbook London Every week we will choose a location around the magnificent city of London and draw people, buildings, pigeons, bins, anything you want.... No payment, no pressure, no need to sign up, just show up and draw for a couple of hours. All levels, abilities and professions welcome, bring a friend! Zero pressure to interact, network, impress in any way, this is just a way to get out and about and appreciate the joy of urban sketching and all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit this thriving metropolis. I am a storyboard artist working in animation and I am happy to discuss sketching techniques or give feedback on any work but this is by no means an exclusive event for artists, all are welcome :)

FREE Brixton Art Walk

[Follow this link to get your ticket before RSVP](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brixton-art-tour-tickets-1983961866349) 14:00 Meet our group 14:30 Walk starts Explore 50 years of public art in Brixton. This guided walk takes in 15 artworks, including murals, statues and memorials, created between 1970 and the present day. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, starting outside Brixton Underground station and finishing at the Lambeth Archives on Brixton Hill, easy access back down into central Brixton This event is run by the Brixton Society and they welcome donations. Followed by social at a cafe nearby. *See comments below for updates*

Autism/ADHD Women’s: Let's Get Crafty ✨ @The People's Letters

**PLEASE NOTE:** The location is: **The People's Letters Bookshop** Address: **395 Cambridge Heath Rd, Cambridge Heath, London E2 9RA** ✨Hi all, Let's Get Crafty is back! ✨ Join us for an afternoon of arts and craft at The People's Letters Bookshop. We will provide yarn, needles, hooks, clay, colouring pencils and books, origami paper, etc, or you can buy a colouring book from the store. You're also welcome to bring your own projects along. The bookstore provides a separate and private space for us which is perfect for us auties and ND folk. The store also provides free hot drinks. Accessibility: the store has an accessible entrance and toilet. The People's Letters is a worker-led, cooperatively run bookstore and community event space in East London. Help support what they do: https://peoplesletters.org/support https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VyYX6pPn Support us: Please support us on Kofi so we can keep providing more free events in the future! https://ko-fi.com/neurodissidentcafe *Please only RSVP if you can make it.* If you cannot make it anymore, please be sure to update your RVSP so we can adapt accordingly. Please do not come if you have not RSVPed.

IN OTHER WORLDS immersive exhibition then coffee and cake 🍰

🔮 **Join us as we explore Barbican’s new immersive exhibition, a major work by Liam Young, blending film, sound, design and storytelling.** Please book your ticket on the link below for the 23rd May at 2.45pm (we will meet at 2.30 and will wait 15mins for everyone to arrive) 🎫 ** [Book your ticket here.](https://tickets.barbican.org.uk/choose-seats/3431214)** About: The show presents immersive, imagined futures shaped by real-world technology and climate challenges. Rather than dystopia, it invites us to explore the possibilities ahead, offering a thought-provoking glimpse into how today’s choices might shape tomorrow’s world. **We will meet by the information desk, near the entrance and will wait 10-15mins for everyone to arrive.** ☕️ We will take about 1 hour to go through the exhibit then we will go for coffee somewhere inside the Barbican.

Everyone welcome 😊

Important to note:

1. We typically socialise at cafés after the exhibit, nice, independent ones, not chains and not at pubs. If the event is late on a Saturday we go to a nice bar/pub for drinks after. This meetup is inclusive and everyone is welcome to join.
2. If you get there before everyone and you're not sure what to do or where we are, post a comment on here and I will let you know our whereabouts.
3. Once we go in we may separate, feel free to explore the exhibit by yourself, we don't have to be together. Some people like chatting to others while exploring and other people prefer to be with their own thoughts. You are welcome to express yourself and do whatever helps you feel free.

4. If you are late or if you’ve booked for an earlier or later time don’t worry just go in and you’ll find us inside. Keep an eye on the comments as I’ll be posting updates.

Sketchbook: Alexandra Palace

Let's sketch Alexandra Palace! Bit of a schlep to the outskirts of town this one but totally worth it for the views of the city and the utterly stunning venue that is Ally Pally! Meet outside the main entrance in the car park. Nearest Train Station: Alexandra Palace Completely free of charge, no need to sign up, bring a friend! Feel free to drop in for the whole two hours or just short while if you'd prefer. Look for the tall ginger fella sketching away as the central meetup spot, but feel free to roam as far and wide as you like and sketch anything you damn well please! Please bring your own sketchbooks and pens/pencils. The plan will be to meet at 1pm, sketch for a couple of hours and meet back and chat at 3pm. There is a lovely foyer in the middle where we can grab a coffee afterwards, hopefully the weather is good! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- About Sketchbook London Every week we will choose a location around the magnificent city of London and draw people, buildings, pigeons, bins, anything you want.... No payment, no pressure, no need to sign up, just show up and draw for a couple of hours. All levels, abilities and professions welcome, bring a friend! Zero pressure to interact, network, impress in any way, this is just a way to get out and about and appreciate the joy of urban sketching and all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit this thriving metropolis. I am a storyboard artist working in animation and I am happy to discuss sketching techniques or give feedback on any work but this is by no means an exclusive event for artists, all are welcome :)

🎨 Art Social - Expand Your Circle

🚨 Spoiler alert: We built the space we couldn’t find. A place where you show up alone, say hi first, and meet new people naturally. We celebrate the curious and the hungry—if you’re ready to expand your circle, you’re in the right place. Ps. You can check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/)🚨 Looking for a fun, creative and relaxed way to spend your Saturday? Join us for an evening where **art meets social connection**. Before we start painting, we’ll kick things off with a **short interactive activity designed to get everyone talking and comfortable with each other**. It’s a fun way to warm up and meet other attendees before the brushes come out. **Then it’s time to paint.** Daniel will guide you through the basics step by step, but you’re also free to freestyle your own creation. No experience needed. By the end of the night you’ll leave with your own canvas. 👕 **Dress code:** something comfy that you don’t mind getting a bit of paint on. Tickets are **£15**, or **£12 if you book through our app**: [https://onelink.to/balancers](https://onelink.to/balancers) If you’ve earned **coins at past events**, you can also use them towards your ticket. Your ticket also includes access to our **main social at 8:30pm in the same venue**, so feel free to stay for more good vibes afterwards. Come for the creativity, stay for the people. 💬 Join our WhatsApp Community for any last-minute updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GMJfgSat7ypEzgtblAkNLS](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GMJfgSat7ypEzgtblAkNLS) **Refund Policy:** We provide full refunds for cancellations made at least 48 hours before the event starts time. This allows us adequate time to adjust logistics and offer spots to other interested attendees. To request a refund, simply contact us via the app or email with your registration details. *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity.* *Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

V&A Friday Lates - Free to Attend (Museum + Pub)

V & A Friday Late openings bring audiences together with all aspects of contemporary visual culture and design. The V&A is one of the world's leading museums of art and design, and is home to a permanent collection of 2.3 million objects & 5,000 years of history! Friday Lates bring you works of art from around the world, a rich diversity of culture and some of the best architecture & design in London, at their late-night openings! Visit one of London's stylish venues, & join the group for drinks at a nearby bar to discuss exhibits on display, & the Museums collection. The event is free to attend. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Schedule 7.00 : Group meets to attend the V&A Late. 9-12 : We progress to a nearby pub/bar. Being in one of London's trendiest spots, Kensington pubs & bars are just a stone's throw away. Get to know one another, discuss the exhibits on display & socialise further with London's Culture Seekers, Artisans & Bohemians at this weeks Museum late! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Meeting 7.00 : We meet just inside the entrance to the V&A. (SEE PHOTOS SECTION BELOW.) Keep an eye on the photos section below which will be updated on the day of the event with pictures of the meeting location. Keep an eye on comments. My number will be displayed on the evening of events. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 7.00 : If you are a few minutes late, don't worry, the group will remain at the meeting point, being introduced to one another, while we wait for everyone to arrive. Here we introduce, make acquaintances, and choose which events to head off to. \-\-\-\- Extra Info : Keep an eye on the comments. I will post our new location every time we move to a new area in the Museum. My number will be displayed in the comments section, on the evening of events.

SLOW ART SUNDAY 🖼️ @ SOUTHLANDS ARTS CENTRE & AWARD WINNING WALLED GARDEN

Welcome to Slow Art Sunday at Southlands Arts Centre, The Green, West Drayton, UB7 7PW Here is the website: https://www.southlandsarts.co.uk After a successful Slow Art Day in April, I am going on a Slow Art Sunday tour, and will be hosting a gentle slow-looking session in the Parlour at Southlands Arts Centre! It’s an opportunity for you to pause, breathe, and connect with art in a more intentional and mindful way. 🧠🖼️ After the slow art session, we can also explore the fabulous award winning walled garden, achieving the London in Bloom Silver-Gilt, 2025. I have been helping the garden team to restore the site, which is an ongoing project. Join me for free, Sunday, 17th May! Here is the event advertisement: As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Photo & Graphic Artist, **Anita Duggal,** will be hosting a gentle slow‑looking session at the Southlands Arts Centre, in the Parlour. It’s an opportunity to pause, breathe, and connect with art in a more mindful way. What to expect? (This is a guide depending on how many visitors at one time.) 1-3pm – Drop in session * Slow art looking at one piece of art for 5 – 10 minutes. * How does the art make you feel? * Notice other things, e.g. colour, composition, texture, or anything else. * Write or draw your experience, and express yourself fully, there is no right or wrong answer. 3-4pm – Discussion Group discussion or talk to someone about the experience, notice how you feel, consider doing it again, slowly looking at another art piece. A garden tour is included, as Anita is also helping to creatively restore the walled garden on site. Even if you are not free to join us on Sunday, have a go look at art slowly, intently, and connect. What do you see, and how do you feel? Enjoy the process!

Culture & Cocktails: Michaelina Wautier @Royal Academy

Dibuja con nosotros ✏️🎨- Club Londinense de Dibujo

¿Hablas español? 🇪🇸 🇲🇽 🇨🇴 🇦🇷 ¿Vives en Londres o alrededores? 🇬🇧 🏙¿Te gusta dibujar? 🎨 Ven y dibuja con nosotros. No hace falta que tengas experiencia o vocación artística. Todos los niveles de habilidad son bienvenidos, pero sí esperamos que hables español La primera mitad del evento (90 min más o menos) dibujaremos, y al terminar compartiremos lo que hayamos hecho, dejando el resto de tiempo para socializar y conectar. Este es un meetup para conocer y conectar. con hispanohablantes que gustan de expresarse y relajarse dibujando o coloreando en un espacio relajado.✨ Ofrecemos material básico para que puedas dibujar pero te alentamos a traer material con el que te sientas más a gusto. Hay un café en el espacio donde puedes comprar alguna bebida o snack.

Folklore Inspired Creative Session

**Do you ever feel the pull to be creative, but don’t know how to start, or even what you want to make?** **Do you ever get a flash of inspiration, but never have the time or energy to follow it through?** **Do you worry that you have to become technically skilled before you have the 'right' to make art?** **If you answered yes to any of the above, then this event is for you!** As children, we create all the time. We sing, draw and write as part of our normal lessons. We make sandcastles, secret dens, friendship bracelets, invent ball games and make up elaborate storylines for dolls and action figures. We don’t fear failure because the point isn’t to succeed, but to express ourselves and have fun. In fact there’s a whole branch of folklore called childlore! But as adults, it can become hard to connect with that creative instinct, whether that’s due to time, energy, cost or self-doubt. So for this event, we’ll be taking time and space to connect with what inspires us and flex our creativity just for the fun of it. Skill and experience levels don’t matter (although those who are skilled or experienced are welcome!)-what matters is remembering what creative inspiration feels like to you personally, and pursuing it to create something authentic to you. To do this, we’ll be emulating artists across millennia in using folklore as inspiration. A collection of folklore genres will be supplied, each containing a collection of prompts, and you will be picking a piece of folklore that speaks to you on that day and creating a piece of art based on your own interpretation of your prompt. This art can be anything, from poetry to sketching, sewing to architecture, make up, set design, tattoo art, songwriting, fashion, game design or event planning-whatever your prompt inspires you to create! You can choose to do several pieces or spend the whole session on one. Paper and pencils will be provided, but please feel free to bring other materials so long as they are not disruptive to the people or environment around us (eg no liquid paints, musical instruments, etc). Please note: this is not a technical lesson! No specific creative skills will be taught, as the aim is connecting with your own personal creative process. But you are welcome to take your pieces home with you to hone your skills. If there are specific areas of folklore that you would like to see prompts for we would love to include them! Please feel free to message Kathy with your ideas :) (This is a free event, so we ask that you please keep RSVPs updated to ensure that as many people as possible who want to come are able to. Cancellations with less than three days’ notice may be removed from the group to prevent wasted spaces in future. Many thanks for your understanding!)

Neurodivergent Artist meet up - May 2026

Hello all! Come along to meet fellow neurodivergent artists, share your work and chat about what you create. **Please RSVP if you can make it! RSVPs close Monday 25 May, at 11.59pm.** **Meet up format:** We usually meet for a drink (no pressure to drink alcohol!), introduce ourselves to each other, share examples of our work and have a chat! You don't need to bring anything, but a link to your website or social media so you can show us your creations would be lovely! Hope to see you there! Amrita x