Environment Art

**Friday 29th May** we'll be appreciating some art made by contemporary artists living in London four our Liminal Arts Summer Show 2026! Come to the Living Room Club Camden for this evening to see fresh new art by living creatives

Join us for a relaxed sketching session from 6–8pm 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. ✨✏️☕

Draw, drink and socialise. Set at Candid Gallery, these tutored life drawing classes provide an opportunity to socialise with like minded creative people. Included in the ticket price is a complimentary drink. **EVERY OTHER FRIDAY** •1 model •Drawing between 7:30-9:30pm •All levels welcome •Materials available to buy or bring your own •Advice & guidance will be available from our tutors DROP IN (OR BOOK ONLINE) Price: £20 Advisable to pre-book, but you can also just turn up! Book here: https://www.candidartslondon.com/shop/life-drawing-book-your-in-studio-zoom-places-here/2 Materials You can either bring your own materials or you can buy paper and charcoal at the class. The classes tend to get busy, so we recommend arriving earlier than 7:30pm, if you'd like to reserve a good spot. The doors open at 7pm.

**\*FREE FOR MEMBERS, JOIN WHEN YOU ARRIVE!\*** Come and join us at the **Living Room Club Glengal Groove** on Fridays between 1 p.m. and 3 pm to upcycle second-hand clothes. We gather for creative transformation and upcycling of second-hand clothing items and materials to sell in our cafe. The income from this project supports our Homeless Project in Soho. For further information, please contact Neide on 07585560345

The weather is getting absolutely gorgeous in London ☀️ It has been a long winter, and now it is time to go out and enjoy nature. Join us on this unique UXers Nature Walk and learn about the area we are focused on this year to drive social impact through our [Responsible Design for Change Fellowship](https://www.ux4change.org/responsible-design-for-change-fellowship/). Get a chance to meet our founder, Sandra Gonzalez, and some of the fellows who are currently enrolled in the third cohort of the Fellowship. This is a very lovely opportunity to connect with nature and our community. You are welcome to bring your pet and/or your children, especially if you are juggling half-term at the moment. We will end the walk at the Princess of Wales to share a drink and network a bit. We look forward to spending a lovely afternoon with you.

# **ABOUT:** Get ready for an electrifying evening at **Tate Modern**, where art, socials, and good vibes collide! 🎶🖼️ Housed in the iconic former Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern is a global beacon of contemporary art, showcasing jaw-dropping works from legends like Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney, alongside cutting-edge installations that’ll spark your imagination. 🏛️✨ With its striking industrial architecture, sprawling Turbine Hall, and breathtaking views of the Thames, this isn’t just a gallery—it’s an experience! 🌉 On this late opening night, Tate Modern stays open late, buzzing with **art explorers, tours, and people meeting each other** 🎭 Whether you’re an art aficionado or just love a vibrant atmosphere, there’s something for everyone! This is a **social event**, so you’ll have plenty of chances to mingle, make new friends, and share your excitement over a masterpiece or two. 😄👥 ## **Admission Details:** * **Free for the first sign-ups** secure your spot early! IF YOU CLICKED ATTEND AND ARE ON THE ATTENDEES LIST THEN YOU ARE IN! * After the free allocation you will have to buy your RSVP through the meetup app. Please show your RSVP on the meetup app to the host on arrival. You are paying for signing up late and having the privilege of joining and mingling with our group and entry to the afterparty. Hosts will be checking RSVPs on the meetup app. **SCHEDULE:** 🕖 **Until 6:45pm-7:15 PM**: Meet us **inside** the TURBINE HALL entrance. Look for our friendly hosts wearing a lanyard and/or ZEN logo. As you enter the turbine hall we will be gathering a short distance away from the entrance. See uploaded photo 🕖 **7:15 PM–8:30PM**: Dive into the upper floors of the Tate Modern ! 🎉 Explore in small groups, soak up the art, join a workshop, or groove to live music in the Turbine Hall. 🖌️🎨 **🕤9:30pm:** Pop to the **CORNER Café Bar** to regroup and share your highlights! Unwind with a drink, enjoy the chic vibe, and keep the conversations flowing with your new friends. Check out the vibe here: 🔗 [CORNER Café Bar](https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern/corner) 🎉 **Come for the art, stay for the connections!** This is your chance to experience Tate Modern’s magic, meet awesome people, and make memories in one of London’s most iconic cultural hotspots. See you there! 😎🙌 ### Important Details * **Dress Code**: Smart casual; no athletic tracksuits or sports trainers. * **Bring ID** for entry to the bar venues. * **More Info**: Check the event page for additional details. * **Join up now** \- if we have a lot of sign ups we may introduce a fee for any additional new joiners \(through the meetup RSVP system\)\. Avoid this by signing up early * **WARNING:** I cannot stress strongly enough about turning up on time as described. I won't be answering any messages or calls from late comers. You will have to use the schedule and guess work to find the group. If you are on the attendees list (with or without paying) then you are in. If you didn't sign up for a free RSVP in time and need to pay a fee through meetup this is so you can join and take advantage of our social group. ### \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **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](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. **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.

Diary Drawing Club – Friday Evening at ICA Cafe ☕🖊️(Institute of Contemporary Arts) We meet to draw quietly together, using simple prompts that I’ll share or you’re welcome to draw whatever you feel drawn to. After drawing, we’ll take some time to share and talk about the works, if you feel comfortable doing so. 🎨 Bring your own sketchbook or iPad But basic drawing materials will be provided! No experience needed. ⏰ Time: 7-9 PM 📍 Meeting Location: The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH (Institute of Contemporary Arts)

Our 44th Spiritual Creatives gathering - in person! Come and join us for a lovely walk and talk around Hampstead Heath. We are meeting just outside Hampstead Heath station (London Overground train) at 11.00 on Sunday the 31st of May. Please note: This is NOT Hampstead Station on the Northern Line! It is the Hampstead HEATH station. The Google link is here: [https://goo.gl/maps/AJCNoxkKNj6K9Gp77](https://goo.gl/maps/AJCNoxkKNj6K9Gp77) We will wait for people to arrive until 11.15am and then we will begin walking. If you arrive later, you will only be able to catch up with us at Kenwood House approximately between 12 and 12.30pm. You should be able to find us sitting around as a group having a drink. If the weather permits, you'll find us outside the main café, towards the back. Look for the guy with the multicoloured scarf... that's me! After a short break of 20-30 minutes, we then walk back through the Heath, taking the long way round to Parliament Hill, and conclude our stroll back to Hampstead Heath overground station around 2 to 2.30pm. (Please note that you may become so involved in your conversations that you end up losing sight of the main group! Unfortunately, there is no way for you to catch up with us once we have become separated (and we do NOT check our phones for texts or messages during our walk) so please be mindful and conscious to stay with the main group if you want to keep up. Also please bear in mind that Hampstead Heath can be muddy sometimes, so please wear the appropriate shoes). After returning to Hampstead Heath Overground station, many of our (usually hungry) members like to continue the camaraderie over lunch at one of the local cafés or restaurants. As our group has grown over the years, these gatherings can be quite large, so we usually have to split into smaller parties and explore different venues. Some of our favourite spots are Dominique’s Café (dominiquescafe.co.uk) and Silverberries (silverberry.net), both of which offer a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. It’s a great way to wind down the walk and continue our conversations. Spiritual Creatives is a warm-hearted and popular meetup group, as you can see from our ratings and comments! We hope to meet you then! :-) Best wishes Cliff **Find out more about us at [https://www.spiritualarts.org.uk](https://www.spiritualarts.org.uk/).**

Join the Eco Around Community for a litter-pick walk in Downham, facilitated by Biljana. Downham Woodland Walk is a local nature reserve and a narrow strip of mostly ancient woodland. It's part of the Green Chain Walk and stretches for about a mile. Rich in flora and fauna, it’s home to old oak and ash trees and a variety of birds. The area is frequently enjoyed by Downham residents and their pets. While maintained by Lewisham Council, contributing to the nature reserve's additional clear-up would be much appreciated. **When:** Saturday, 30 May, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm **Where:** The litter pick will start at the Moorside Rd entrance to Downham Woodland Walk, and we’ll make our way through to the Oakridge Rd exit near Barnardo’s. Use the What3Words navigation below to see the exact meeting points. Start: what3words: [///flown.rounds.agents](https://w3w.co/flown.rounds.agents) Finish: what3words: [///famous.drag.tuned](https://w3w.co/famous.drag.tuned) We are planning to have some optional drinks/food afterwards, most likely at the Beckenham Place Park. **How to dress and what to bring:** Appropriate footwear, no open-toed shoes and we recommend some waterproofs (just in case). We have some gloves, bin bags and litter pickers but feel free to bring your own and a refillable water bottle in case you get thirsty. Hand Sanitiser is also useful. **Updates:** Unless there is a heavy rain forecast, we will stick to our plans. Please check the event for updates. **Photo Consent:** We plan to take general pictures and a group picture to document the activity and help us promote future online events. If you wish not to be in the pictures, let us know.

Join us for an engaging and inspiring life drawing sessions at the Toynbee Art Club in Aldgate Shoreditch, London. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner looking to explore your creative side, this session welcomes all skill levels. Our friendly and talented life models will strike poses for you to sketch and paint in a nurturing and supportive environment. This is a great opportunity to refine your drawing skills, meet like-minded individuals, and immerse yourself in the world of art. Beginners are especially encouraged to attend as guidance will be provided for those that request it. Come unleash your creativity with us! Poses are 1min to 50min. All materials provided.

[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*

**Last Place available!** **Single Occupancy with en-suite, £1845** Join us on a **magical 7-day trip** to experience one of the most exciting seabird colonies in the UK! We have scheduled **six separate boat trips to photograph the birdlife on the Farne Islands,** and our lovely accommodation is close to **one of the world's great coastal castles, Bamburgh Castle!** Along with **Dunstanburgh Castle**, this gives us the unique opportunity to indulge in some bonus landscape photography with **two stunning subjects in the evenings.** Northumberland's Farne Islands are home to more than **20 bird species**, with the **highlight being over 80,000 incredibly charismatic puffins!** Along with the puffin extravaganza, the islands' other species include **arctic terns, guillemots, razorbills, shags, kittiwakes, eider ducks, plus grey seals** basking in the sun by the water's edge. More info can be found at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/farne-islands/features/wildlife-calendar **Accommodation:** We have an amazing 6-bedroom (including 2 rooms with en-suites) close to Bamburgh Castle! **Single Occupancy Room, £1595 SOLD OUT!** **Single Occupancy with en-suite, £1845, Last Place!** **Suggested equipment:** * Telephoto lens - e.g. 300mm+, 100-400mm, 200-400mm * Walk around wide/mid-range/kit lens – e.g. 18-55mm, 24-70mm, 24-105mm * Wide-angle lens, e.g. 16-35mm, 17-40mm (optional for landscape subjects in the distance) * Don't have a telephoto lens? We'll have 3 telephoto setups available (please let me know at the time of booking). We also have 2 x branded 1.4x (Canon & Nikon DSLR) and 2.0x (Nikon DSLR) are available. * Tripod (for landscapes) * Monopod if required Filters (for landscapes). I'll have some KASE filter kits available (please mention it when booking). **Includes:** * Return transport from central London, plus transport in Northumberland to/from boats & castles. * Accommodation: An entire beautiful house in Bamburgh! (self-catering, restaurants, pubs, & shops close by) * Boat fees for 6 boat trips to the islands. * Photographic tuition on location * Camera and lens setups to borrow, if required. * Your funds are fully protected by our Travel Operator Insurance and Financial Failure Insurance. **Not included:** * Food and drink * National Trust Landing Fees (free for NT members) * Personal and travel insurance **Note:** The boat captain's decision to delay if adverse weather conditions are beyond our control (which is why we go for 6 full days just in case). **Price:** **£1845 + National Trust islands landing fees** (\~£13 per boat trip or FREE for National Trust members) (**Book direct through our secure website for the** **[Puffin Tours and Wildlife Tours here](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com/shop/wildlife-tours/). No need to make the £1 payment on Meetup**) Note: The £1 nominal Meetup event charge, should you pay, will be refunded. **More info at:** [UK Photo Tour's Puffin Photography in the Farne Islands](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com/photography-workshops/farne-islands-puffins-photo-tour/) page. **See our other tours at:** [https://www.uk-photo-tours.com](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com)

🛹 **From concrete to cult status - step into the heart of London skate culture.** This Meetup explores Skate 50 at the Southbank Centre, a vibrant exhibition celebrating 50 years of the iconic Undercroft skate space. Blending film, sound and visual storytelling, it captures the raw creativity, community spirit and global influence of a scene that grew from a hidden corner into a cultural landmark. Expect grit, creativity, and a slice of London culture that refuses to be polished. **We will meet at 13.45 outside the Undercroft, Queen Elizabeth Hall and will wait 15mins for people to arrive.** 🎫 **Standard entry is free - ticket required.** This event runs on a pay-what-you-can basis, with free tickets available and a suggested price of £8. If you’re able to contribute, it helps make the event accessible to others - but everyone is welcome. Bonus: skateboarders can enter for free, just bring your board! **Please book for the 30th May at 2pm**: [Book your ticket here. ](https://secure.southbankcentre.co.uk/139457/139490?zone-id=30805&_gl=1*o1xcyt*_gcl_au*ODcwODUwNTIxLjE3NzYyNTUxNDU.*FPAU*ODcwODUwNTIxLjE3NzYyNTUxNDU.*_ga*OTIxMzIzMzM1LjE3NzYyNTUxNDY.*_ga_0QVG9BX354*czE3NzYyNTUxNDUkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzYyNTY1MTAkajQ4JGwwJGgyMTA5NzgwMzg4*_fplc*RDdCSEE0TTJwayUyQk53dnAlMkI1UzJGUmNxNzJScTZlVnA5QVJKang2dXBSSm90byUyQkFWem5kTEIzMUE3OTNDdVFRNjc0RWVzU0pHdjhxTlcxTzdWa1BXTkZmcm9RR0FKZkx6ZFF3OHNOY2VIajdLMTN2MVdqTDRVRHJIbVN3JTJGN1ElM0QlM0Q.&queueittoken=e_myscqueue182~q_1df4cbc3-5db3-4289-b9c7-c397fb582658~ts_1776256702~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_b6cedbf3e9fb7f1af39a1d3703366aa06908738eabed14109102895492ffa4c7) 
Please update your RSVP if you can’t make it. [More info on the exhibit page here.](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/skate-50/) The screening lasts 38 minutes and it plays on a loop. ☕️ After the screening we will go for coffee somewhere nearby.

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. The coffee part afterwards is all about socialising so don’t miss it!

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 event comments as I’ll be posting updates.

**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Karl Road Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

**Get your creative flow going with a Sunday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Martin Luther King Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

Let's stroll the artists' booths and enjoy some of the festival's opening day! The Columbus Art Festival features a wide and vibrant range of visual art from local and national exhibitors, plus, live music, and all kinds of food and refreshments, along the waterfront downtown. (The featured painting is by Columbus Arts Festival exhibitor, Joe Engel - joe-engelart.com)

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

Welcome to the Art School - 20's & 30's artists Meetup group! This is a community for young artists who are passionate about exploring different mediums and techniques in the world of art. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, photographer, or mixed media artist, this group is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals, have a space to work on your craft, and showcase your work. Let's inspire and support each other on our artistic journeys! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned artist, all skill levels are welcome. Join us and unleash your creativity! Afterwards, we will have time to work on our individual art projects, hang out, and if anyone is interested in feedback on their work, there will be time for that as well.