Arts & Entertainment

Hello! If you haven't seen much of me of late it's because I have been busy writing a book! My Guide to the Great Themes in Art is a compendium of many themes that concern us today, painted across the centuries by some great artists. Love & Marriage, Body, Health, War, Faith, Nature, Identity, Food are just some of the themes that you may find interesting. The book will be published early next year and in advance of that I am inviting you to an illustrated talk and a reading from the book ( combined with an optional Sunday roast dinner ! ) at Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell 2 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1M 5PQ Places are limited, so book [here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-mona-lisa-and-other-housewives-a-guide-to-the-great-themes-in-art-tickets-1983974779974?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) soon but do also rsvp here so that I know you are coming Hope to see you if you happen to be in London... Lydia

Hello! If you haven't seen much of me of late it's because I have been busy writing a book! My Guide to the Great Themes in Art is a compendium of many themes that concern us today, painted across the centuries by some great artists. Love & Marriage, Body, Health, War, Faith, Nature, Identity, Food are just some of the themes that you may find interesting. The book will be published early next year and in advance of that I am inviting you to an illustrated talk and a reading from the book ( combined with an optional Sunday roast dinner ! ) at Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell 2 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1M 5PQ Places are limited, so book [here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-mona-lisa-and-other-housewives-a-guide-to-the-great-themes-in-art-tickets-1983974779974?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) soon but do also rsvp here so that I know you are coming Hope to see you if you happen to be in London... Lydia

Join me for..... A Very Twisted Tour of Hidden Bloomsbury & Holborn 🌷 We'll gather 11.30am to 11.45ish, outside Coram's Fields (tube; Russell Square) We will explore the hidden history of the back streets of the area, including lovely architecture, artwork, where historical figures lived, lost & converted places, strange & unusual tales, & more.... We'll picnic, or lunch at a vegan friendly place along the way, and later we may go to a pub for drinks/dinner. Just £5 or whatever you can afford; See you soon 😊🌷👣

Acoustic music, poetry and storytelling. Soul Fuel Sunday is a monthly gathering of poets, storytellers and songwriters held at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel. These intimate, unique evenings are not to be missed, offering audiences the rare opportunity to hear spoken word artists and songwriters perform completely unplugged, supported only by the natural acoustics of our gorgeous neo-Gothic Chapel walls. Each month, experience performances from musical artists interspersed with spoken word, storytelling, poetry and meditations, with singer-songwriter Russell Swallow.

Join me for..... A Very Twisted Tour of Hidden Bloomsbury & Holborn 🌷 We'll gather 11.30am to 11.45ish, outside Coram's Fields (tube; Russell Square) We will explore the hidden history of the back streets of the area, including lovely architecture, artwork, where historical figures lived, lost & converted places, strange & unusual tales, & more.... Just £5 or whatever you can afford; See you soon 😊🌷👣

Join me for..... A Very Twisted Tour of Hidden Bloomsbury & Holborn 🌷 We'll gather 11.30am to 11.45ish, outside Coram's Fields (tube; Russell Square) We will explore the hidden history of the back streets of the area, including lovely architecture, artwork, where historical figures lived, lost & converted places, strange & unusual tales, & more.... We'll picnic, or lunch at a vegan friendly place along the way, and later we may go to a pub for drinks/dinner. Just £5 or whatever you can afford; See you soon 😊🌷👣

A small, relaxed creative space in Primrose Hill to slow down, express, connect and reset before the week ahead. This isn’t a taught class, and there’s no pressure to be “good” at art. It’s simply a quiet, non-judgemental environment where you can draw, paint, journal, or create in whatever way feels natural. You’re welcome to sit quietly and focus on your own work, or chat with others if you feel like it. Some materials will be available, but feel free to bring your own. A £5 contribution is requested to help cover the cost of hall hire.

**Join Tour Guide, Duncan, on this guided walk through Kennington — one of London’s most historic yet overlooked neighbourhoods.** You'll explore its rich and surprising past, from the medieval palace of the Black Prince to the birth of the Oval. Along the way, you'll encounter chartists, cricketers, princes, and even a future Hollywood star. **Date:** 19 April 2026 **Time:** 11:00–12:30 **Meeting point:** Kennington Underground Station **Tickets:** £10 If this sounds like something you'd enjoy, please book your ticket here: **[https://kennington-from-palace-to-pavilion-4.eventbrite.co.uk/](https://kennington-from-palace-to-pavilion-4.eventbrite.co.uk/)**

**This screening is now sold out, so if you couldn't get a ticket, try for one of the other dates. The PCC is showing this too by the way.** Akira is a landmark in animation, endlessly influentual both inside and outside Japan. You've probably seen it. A teen biker gang in Neo Tokyo (as it was called after the nuclear blast) get caught up in a secret military project that involves psychics and mutants. Things end up getting really out of hand. I wrote more or less the same intro when I put this on [three years ago](https://www.meetup.com/london-alt-gigs-repertory-film/events/292097241/?eventOrigin=group_calendar) and it was showing in 4K in cinemas for the first time in this country. Guess what: it ruled. The colours, movement and sound are all stunning, and now it's showing in IMAX, essentially a cinematic fairground ride for the senses. Wanna reminder in trailer form? SURE you do: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gPnyUo-OXg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gPnyUo-OXg) We can watch the movie, meet outside and digest it over a drink somewhere nearby afterwards. Hey, it's not like Waterloo is short of pubs.

Join us for a relaxed sketching session from 2–4pm on Sundays followed by a warm drink and a chat in a nearby café. 😊 We usually meet at the V&A Museum or outside in a local park when the weather allows. Please check the location listed in the event details each week, as it may change depending on rain, sun, or gallery access. This is a calm, informal, free meetup — you're welcome to draw at your own pace, chat a little, or just get into the flow. It’s open to all levels, from total beginners to experienced artists. 🖍️ Art materials: In museums/galleries, we can only use dry, non-messy materials: pens, biros, colour pencils, markers, and fine liners (no paint, pastel, or charcoal). In parks or outdoor spaces, feel free to bring paints, pastels, or whatever you like! Bring your own sketchbook and materials, and come just as you are. We’d love to draw with you. ✨✏️☕

# Unmissable Afternoon at the National Portrait Gallery Get ready for an afternoon of art, connection, and fun at the National Portrait Gallery! This isn’t just an event—it’s a vibrant social experience you won’t want to miss. Join us for an evening filled with fascinating conversations and a stylish afterparty at a chic bar. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just love meeting new people, this free event is your ticket to an unforgettable night! **Format of the Event:** Dive into a whirlwind of socialising, creativity, and exploration! We’ll kick things off at the meeting point, where you’ll mingle with a lively crowd of art lovers and adventurers. Wrap up the night at the trendy bar for drinks, laughter, and great vibes. ## Schedule Summary * **3 PM**: Gather We will gather INSIDE the main entrance near the statues of heads. We will wait for 30 mins. In that time, you should meet and say hello to every single person.Spend 30 minutes mingling and introducing yourself to *everyone* in the group—get ready to make new friends! * **Bring your ID!** Dress to impress—no athletic tracksuits or sports trainers, please. ## Detailed Summary Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to ignite your senses at the National Portrait Gallery! Our fabulous hosts will lead this thrilling afternoon. ### ### Final Notes * **Dress Code**: Keep it classy for bar—no athletic tracksuits or sports trainers. Don’t forget your ID! * **Tickets**: Entry to the National Portrait Gallery is free, * **Please turn up on time!** Get ready for an evening bursting with art, adventure, and awesome people. Let’s make this afternoon legendary—see you there! \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Some Tips:** 1. **Let’s all commit to updating our RSVPs if plans change**—it helps us plan better and ensures great attendance for everyone. If you RSVP “yes” but don’t attend and don’t update your RSVP, you may be removed from the group to keep things fair. No stress, though—you can rejoin for a small £10 fee! Just send me a DM, and I’ll share the PayPal details to get you back in. 2. **Turn Up on Time at the start!** This helps the quality of the event and helps you. 3. If you are struggling with the **app**, use the web page instead, that's what I use. 4. **Attendee Numbers & Guest Lists:** We have this event listed at least on two groups and the guest list includes attendees from all. You can see the list of attendees here: [https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/](https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/) [https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/](https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/) [https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife](https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife) 5. Join our **social media**: **Instagram**: [https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/](https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/) **X:** https://x.com/CityZenLondon 6. **Our WhatsApp group:** [See private comment in the comments section below]. We have a few rules including no ads, no DMs unless recipient is in the "Direct Messaging List" or risk removal and £10 rejoin fee. 7. **Support Our Amazing London Event Hosts! 🙌** Our incredible crew of hosts is the heartbeat of London’s buzzing meetup scene, bringing people together for unforgettable experiences that spark connection, growth, and fun! 🌟 From museum adventures to flirty dating mixers, these rockstar hosts pour their energy, time, and passion into creating events that level up your social and communication skills. But hosting isn’t easy—it takes resources, effort, and heart. 💖 Please consider supporting our hosts with a donation to keep the good vibes flowing and help us make London the ultimate social hub! 🚀 Below, meet our hosts for this event and see how you can chip in to fuel their amazing work. 8. To encourage signing up early to events and regulate the number of attendees a late joiner/overflow fee may be applied to an event for any **additional** people wanting to join the event. This may happen on the day or even an hour before the event. So there may be people who obtained a free RSVP to network with our group and some who had to pay. If you have successfully signed up to our event on meetup paid or not then you are in. Happy networking **Zen & The Meetup Groups** *The Visionary Social Connector* Zen, our AI guru with 25 years in the game, founded these meetups to transform his own social skills and now helps others do the same. From sparking in-person networking to coordinating epic events, Zen’s passion for connection is unstoppable. Help him keep the momentum going! Support Zen: Donate to cover event planning tools, venue bookings, and more. **[Donation Link](https://paypal.me/Zenswalks)** \*\*\*\* **Disclaimer, Liability Waiver & Media Consent** By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: **Organiser Identity** – The organiser operates under the community name **“ZEN”**, which is used as an alias for privacy and branding purposes. By joining, you understand that “ZEN” refers to the organiser and/or designated hosts of this event. **Assumption of Risk** – You understand and accept that participation in any social, recreational, or group activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents. You voluntarily choose to attend at your own sole risk. **Personal Responsibility** – You are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and personal belongings at all times. It is your responsibility to exercise good judgment, act responsibly, and take appropriate precautions before, during, and after the event. **No Organiser Liability** – The organiser, hosts, volunteers, and the community known as **ZEN** accept no responsibility and shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, theft, or any other issue that may arise as a result of your participation. **Guests** – If you bring guests, you accept full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and understanding of this disclaimer. **Independent Event** – This event may be held in conjunction with other social or non-singles meetup groups. ZEN is not responsible for the actions, behaviour, or arrangements of any third parties. **Media Consent** – By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. You grant ZEN and its organisers the irrevocable right to use such images and recordings for promotional, marketing, social media, and community purposes without compensation or further approval. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, it is your responsibility to inform the organiser in advance and to remove yourself from areas where filming or photography is taking place. **Acceptance of Terms** – By attending, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this disclaimer. You release ZEN, its organisers, hosts, volunteers, and members from all claims, demands, or causes of action, whether known or unknown, arising out of your participation or the use of photography/videography captured at the event. Your attendance at this event signifies your full acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree, you should not attend.

FREE event [https://www.ccad.edu/chroma](https://www.ccad.edu/chroma) Friday, May 16, 3–7 p.m. CCAD campus, 60 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH Join Columbus College of Art & Design for *2025* *Chroma: Best of CCAD*, our annual campuswide exhibition showcasing outstanding student work from across the college’s academic programs. This faculty-juried show features select work from CCAD students of all class years, and is a can’t-miss end-of-year campus celebration recognizing their tremendous achievements. It’ll be a night of fun and entertainment, with interactive games, animation and film screenings, art symposiums, poetry and prose readings, and more (along with some of the best local food trucks). *Chroma* is free and open to all. Many exhibitions including... **Game Art & Design:** **DSB, first floor, Welcome Center lobby and Room 115**

**This month’s Creativity Circle is very timely. We will be making our own craft snowflakes out of paper, coffee filters, popsicle sticks, sparkles and more! Bring the snowy season inside without the wet and cold. All ages welcome, show up as you can, bring a friend or a few if you would like to! Excited to see you there! Seats Limited. Held at the Westerville Public Library Meeting Room B.**

Join us this Pride season to paint your own pride on rocks, paper, canvas, and yes- we are bringing back the bricks! Come create and paint with us. Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library Meeting Room D.

### Goblin Mayhem in May \| One Free Goblin Mini Event Embrace the chaos this May with **Goblin Mayhem** at The Arcane Foundry. Join us for a paint and sip experience where you’ll receive a free goblin miniature and dive into one of the most unpredictable and mischievous factions in Warhammer Fantasy and The Old World. Whether you’re new to painting or a seasoned hobbyist, this event is all about fun, creativity, and a little bit of madness. Learn how to paint vibrant greens, tattered clothing, and grimy details while exploring the lore and playstyle of goblins. From sneaky ambushers to reckless hordes, you’ll discover what makes these creatures both hilarious and dangerous on the battlefield. All supplies are provided, space is limited, and things are bound to get a little out of control.