Landscape Painting

Join us for a two-day Botanical Watercolour experience, where we’ll step out of the studio and into two *almost hidden* gardens in Friedrichshain to paint plants directly from life 🌿 Over two days, we’ll meet in two different, *almost hidden* gardens in Friedrichshain—quiet green corners of the city where we can slow down, observe, and paint plants directly from life. Think wild flowers, textured leaves, unexpected shapes, shifting light… and the simple joy of painting outdoors. This is more than just a meet-up: **it’s a guided class designed to help you grow your skills while you enjoy the process.** We’ll start each session exploring essential watercolour techniques—wet-on-wet, layering, colour mixing, and transparency—and then apply them to what we see around us. You’ll learn how to approach different types of plants, how to simplify complex forms, and which techniques and effects work best for each subject. No experience needed—just curiosity, and a love for plants, light, and slow summer days 🌱 The workshop includes **two classes**, but you’re also welcome to join individual sessions. **When:** Wednesday 13 + 20 May From 6 to 7.30 PM **Where:** Friedrichshain, Berlin (You will receive the exact address by e-mail) **Price:** 50€ for the whole workshop (2 classes) Single class 27€ / Paypal & Bank Transfer **Material:** You will need a watercolour set, watercolour paper (or sketchbook) and brushes. If you need suggestions about the material, get in touch. If you need some recommendations, this might help: **[Quick Material Guide](https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRDE95Ia5D/?img_index=2)** **To book your spot:** Please confirm here: **hola.berlinartclub@gmail.com,** and you will receive the payment details and the exact address. ***Super small groups! RSVP here is not considered booked.*** You can find my work [HERE](https://www.instagram.com/lujancordaro/) and all updated classes [HERE ](https://www.instagram.com/berlin.art.club/) Come slow down, get your hands moving, and reconnect with nature 🌿 See you!! Lu and the BAC

A 2.5 hours oil color - acrylics painting lesson. **About this course** This is a painting workshop with the goal of teaching people how to create paintings using either oil colors or acrylics. The total subject lessons consists of around **27 lessons** that last 2.5 hours each. You can join at any time during the course. On each lesson the first part will be about theory and exercise and the second one about canvas time. Each participant will have the chance to work on canvas and start making paintings as artworks. All materials are provided by us. Each lesson has a subject. We do not follow a particular order, and every lesson is actually unique and many times personalized. This means that every time the attendess will have to do something new and different. You do not have to paint on canvas and with the mentioned art materias, you can also choose to use any of your wish. Most of the observations and exercises work well with all art materials. It is suitable for beginners and or even professionals who want to rationalize the canvas painting process. It is being hosted by the visual artist [Miltos Despoudis](https://miltosdespoudis.gr/). **How much does it cost?** Check below: * 5 x Lessons Packet (2.5 hours each) cost **120€.** * First lesson try-out costs **17€**. You can do that only once. * 1 x Lesson (2.5 hours) costs **30€.** You can pay either by cash or card at the event. All of the materials are included within the ticket reservation **except the canvases.** You can paint anything on a canvas we will provide you free but if you want to keep the canvas you will have to purchase it at the same cost we bought it. Canvases range from 3 to 9 Euros. **How do I subscribe?** You need to reserve a spot here and come at the event. You can pay at the event. Please verify that you are attending so that we know and prepare accordingly with the art supplies. **What do I need?** Watercolors materials will be provided at the venue. You can also bring your own art supplies, it might be helpful to learn working with what you have. Keep in mind that working with colors might make your clothes dirty, but in general we try to be clean. **More Info** The workshop happens almost every Wednesday. Learn more about the watercolor lesson plan here: [https://creativesessions.art/workshops/painting-workshop/](https://creativesessions.art/workshops/painting-workshop/) **Refund Policy** On case by case scenario. If you paid for the tryout session we can refund up to one day before the event starts. If you paid for the lesson packet and used one of the tickets no refunds are possible.

**In Association With the Berlin Portrait Academy and PAKD Gallery / PAKD Art Lab** * **www.berlinportraitacademy.com** * **www.pakd-gallery.com/artlab** * **Cost: 15 Euros** A regular opportunity to study the nude or portrait from life for 3 hours, every single week! We have one long pose - you can choose whether to draw several studies from different angles around the room, or take your time to do a single sustained drawing or painting in full detail. The pose is held for 20 minute intervals with five minute breaks in-between so the model to rest and stretch, and so artists can move between seats if they choose. We provide some materials such as paper, pencils & pastels for free. Canvases, brushes and acrylic paint can be purchased at the event. We hope to see you there very soon!

**In association with the Berlin Portrait Academy and PAKD Gallery / PAKD Art Lab** * **[www.berlinportraitacademy.com](http://www.berlinportraitacademy.com**)** * **[www.pakd-gallery.com/artlab](http://www.pakd-gallery.com/artlab**)** * **Cost: 15 Euros** A regular opportunity to study the nude or portrait from life for 3 hours, every single week! We have one long pose - you can choose whether to draw several studies from different angles around the room, or take your time to do a single sustained drawing or painting in full detail. The pose is held for 20 minute intervals with five minute breaks in-between so the model to rest and stretch, and so artists can move between seats if they choose. We provide some materials such as paper, pencils & pastels for free. Canvases, brushes and acrylic paint can be purchased at the event. We hope to see you there very soon!

4 WEEKS CLASS ON DRAWING with focus on SHADING *pencils techniques* *Wed.nesdays 5 to 7 pm* *May 20th to June 17th* *( no class on May 27th )* *100€ ALL INCLUDED* [BOOK IT HERE!](https://berlinschoolofdrawing.weebly.com/booking---contact--venue.html) How to reach a great level of shading and volume through an academic approach with pencils **\- drawing technique** **\- volume\, shapes and proportions** **\- etching with academic approach** **\- work on white paper and on toned paper** Open to all levels!

(Englisch below) In diesem Kurs bietet Meister YongHua eine leicht zugängliche Einführung in die Lehren des Reinen-Land-Buddhismus sowie den Mahayana. Finde Ruhe und eine andere Perspektive auf das Leben im Herzen Berlins – Reines Land Buddhismus mit Meister YongHua Mitten im lebendigen Rhythmus Berlins entdeckst du einen Raum der Stille und inneren Gelassenheit. Am Mittwoch, den 20. Mai 2026, laden wir dich von 18:30–20:30 Uhr herzlich zu einem Einführungsworkshop in den Reines-Land Buddhismus in den Räumen der Buddhistischen Gesellschaft Berlin e.V. ein. Dieser Workshop verbindet authentische buddhistische Lehren mit sanftem Stretching und bietet dir die Möglichkeit: 🌿 Stress und Anspannung loszulassen und auch in herausfordernden Momenten ruhig zu bleiben. 🌿 Konzentration und geistige Klarheit zu stärken, um fokussierter und ausgeglichener durch den Alltag zu gehen. 🌿 Mitgefühl und Geduld zu entwickeln, und so Beziehungen auf natürliche Weise zu vertiefen. 🌿Einen Weg zu finden, alles Leiden zu beenden und ewige Glückseligkeit zu erfahren. 🙏 Der Reines-Land-Buddhismus ist heute die weltweit am weitesten verbreitete Praxisform des Buddhismus. Dennoch ist das Reines-Land-Dharma-Tor den meisten Menschen im Westen noch weitgehend unbekannt. Daher besteht das Ziel dieses Workshops darin, eine leicht zugängliche Einführung in die Lehren des Reinen Landes sowie allgemein in den Mahayana-Buddhismus zu geben. 😔 Fühlst du dich erschöpft oder niedergeschlagen? Die Rezitation des Namens des Buddha hilft dem Geist, zur Ruhe zu kommen. Mit weniger zerstreuten Gedanken fällt es leichter, sich zu konzentrieren und die eigene Energie über den Tag hinweg zu bewahren. Viele Teilnehmende berichten von mehr Klarheit, Gelassenheit und innerer Stabilität – ganz ohne Druck oder Leistungsdenken. Das erwartet dich: • Einführung in den Reines-Land Buddhismus • Dehnübungen zur körperlichen Vorbereitung • Gemeinsame Rezitation des Namens des Buddha • Fragen & Antworten Programmdetails: 📅 Datum: Mittwoch, 20. Mai 2026 📍 Ort: Buddhistische Gesellschaft Berlin e.V. (BGB), Wulffstr. 6, 12165 Berlin 🧘‍♂️ Leitung: Meister YongHua, Meister XianXin und die Ehrwürdige XianPu Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos und erfolgt auf Spendenbasis. Alle Interessierten sind herzlich willkommen – es sind keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich. Fragen oder Anmeldung: 📞 Steffen: +49 170 893 5041 (WhatsApp) 📧 chanreinesland@gmail.com ✨ Eine Einladung, zur Ruhe zu kommen, Weisheit zu kultivieren und mit leichterem Herzen nach Hause zurückzukehren. ________________________________________ In this course, Master YongHua offers an accessible introduction to the teachings of Pure Land Buddhism as well as Mahayana Buddhism. Find peace and a new perspective on life in the heart of Berlin – Pure Land Buddhism with Master YongHua. In the midst of Berlin’s vibrant rhythm, discover a space of stillness and inner calm. On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, we warmly invite you from 6:30–8:30 PM to an introductory workshop on Pure Land Buddhism at the premises of the Buddhist Society Berlin e.V. This workshop combines authentic Buddhist teachings with gentle stretching and offers you the opportunity to: 🌿 Let go of stress and tension, and remain calm even in challenging moments. 🌿 Strengthen concentration and mental clarity, so you can move through daily life more focused and balanced. 🌿 Develop compassion and patience, naturally deepening your relationships. 🌿 Find a path to end all suffering and experience eternal bliss. 🙏 Pure Land Buddhism is currently the most widely practiced form of Buddhism in the world. Nevertheless, the Pure Land Dharma door remains largely unknown to most people in the West. The aim of this workshop is therefore to provide an accessible introduction to the teachings of the Pure Land, as well as to Mahayana Buddhism more broadly. 😔 Do you feel exhausted or low? Reciting the name of the Buddha helps the mind come to rest. With fewer scattered thoughts, it becomes easier to concentrate and sustain your energy throughout the day. Many participants report greater clarity, calmness, and inner stability—without pressure or a performance mindset. What to expect: • Introduction to Pure Land Buddhism • Stretching exercises for physical preparation • Group recitation of the Buddha’s name • Q&A session Program details: 📅 Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 📍 Location: Buddhist Society Berlin e.V. (BGB), Wulffstr. 6, 12165 Berlin 🧘‍♂️ Led by: Master YongHua, Master XianXin, and Venerable XianPu Participation is free and based on donations. Everyone is warmly welcome—no prior experience is required. Questions or registration: 📞 Steffen: +49 170 893 5041 (WhatsApp) 📧 chanreinesland@gmail.com ✨ An invitation to come to rest, cultivate wisdom, and return home with a lighter heart.

Tolle Berlinerinnen und Berliner, als ich schreibe, sitze ich im Wald zwischen Buchen und Eichen auf meinem Campingstuhl und genieße die Ruhe des Sonnenlichts. Suchst du nach Freiheit von dem Lärm der Szene, Lärm der Stadt? Möchtest du Brücken mit interkulturellen, diversen Leuten aufbauen? Dieses Jahr möchte ich unbedingt neue Leute, die Tiefe und Empathie haben kennenlernen. Diesen Leuten meine Zeit geben, und gegenseitige Freundschaften hoffentlich aufbauen. Selbst glaube ich, dass Mädels und Jungs einander nicht verstehen können, wenn der Sinn von einer Person 100% einer Geschlecht ist und die Person keines der Geschlecht gegenüber kennt. Idealerweise sollte der Sinn 50/50 weiblich/männlich sein, dass wir uns ideal verstehen können. Selbst bin ich Künstler, der sich für Farbphysik (Colour Phenomena) interessiert. Zum Beispiel ein roses Kirschbaum in der blauen morgen Stunde. Oder blaue Bäume im Licht eines bedeckten Sommer Tag, auch wenn jeder glaubt, dass man sachlich weiß, ‚Bäumen sind grün!‘ Colour sind, glaube ich, hauptsächlich weibliche Phänomene. Und als Künstler empfand ich seit langem eine Affinität für Colour. Das Bild oben ist ein Kunstwerk von mir. Ich möchte die ruhigen Leuten erreichen, also der Treff ist entweder Online, per Signal Messenger (Link zur Gruppe im Kommentar) um neue Verbindungen leicht zu machen, oder auch sogar besser persönlich, wenn du dich spontan unterwegs sein will und persönlich treffen will. Wenn du mich persönlich triffst setzen wir uns auf eine Wiese, eventuell in der Wuhlheide, oder auf dem Tempelhofer Feld. Schick mir eine Nachricht per Signal Gruppe und wir können uns vereinbaren. Ich freue mich neue Leute kennenzulernen!

Artist Mi.M warmly invites you to discover your own artistic voice and experiment freely, guided by creative techniques and meditation. Are you ready to leave everyday life behind for a moment and immerse yourself in the world of colors and shapes? This workshop isn't about perfection, but about letting go, discovering, and the joy of creation. "Let your instincts guide you and paint on the paper – it's soothing, surprising, and absolutely liberating." Are you ready to embark on your own creative journey? **[Then register now – I look forward to seeing you! Tickets here.](https://gokonfetti.com/de-de/e/kreativ-retreat-landschaften-aus-papier-selbst-gestalten-zvprrg/)** * Arriving & Centering: We'll begin with a short (5-minute) meditation and specific breathing techniques. A brief creative exercise will open your mind to new inspiration. * Orientation & Discovery: I'll bring a wealth of materials. You can follow your intuition, choose color combinations, and either continue working on your paper or start collage right away. * The Creative Flow: As the workshop progresses, we'll let go of control. We let "the paper paint" and follow our instincts. It's fascinating to see the surprising works of art that emerge when our minds take a break. * Individual guidance: Whether you're an experienced artist or a complete beginner, I'll support you exactly where you need help to bring your ideas to life. * Inspiration through community: We'll exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. Often, the best new ideas arise from the group! **Materials:** * Everything is prepared – you can get started right away. * You don't have to worry about a thing. * All materials are provided. Special paper textures, including handmade paper, as well as inspiring magazines, etc. * A special highlight: Your wooden base is already primed and waiting for you to decorate it. * Please bring an open mind, curiosity, and protective packaging for your finished artwork. **Tickets:** [Please get your ticket following this link.](https://gokonfetti.com/de-de/e/kreativ-retreat-landschaften-aus-papier-selbst-gestalten-zvprrg/) **About the Artist Mi\.M \| Let the Paper paint \(LtPp\)** Mi.M seamlessly blends intuitiv depth with meditative lightness. Her artistic journey is deeply rooted in the French tradition and with over 20 years of artistic practice, she has developed a unique creative signature: Let the Paper paint" (LtPp). The Art of Dialogue: In her mixed-media compositions on wood, Mi.M allows the material itself to take the lead—letting the paper "paint." Fragments of her own paintings and drypoint etchings merge with historical finds, such as vintage airmail and newspapers, to create multi-layered narratives. Her work strikes a vibrant balance between abstract linework, echoes of landscapes, and a sensory depth that invites the viewer to pause and reflect. Workshops at Kunstrau Heartspace: Where Technique Meets Intuition * As a certified Arts and Creativity Therapist (IEK), Mi.M guides participants to quiet the mind and enter a state of creative flow. Her LtPp workshops at Heartspace offer a unique fusion of: * Expert Knowledge: Collage techniques and material science drawn from two decades of experience. * Parisian Flair: The elegance and expressive freedom of the French school of art. * Creative Stillness: A focus on structure and haptics as a path to inner calm. "My goal is to use the medium of paper and texture to create moments of silence and pure, creative freedom." **Expertise & Background** * Academic Roots: 8 years in Paris \| Study Université des Beaux\-Arts * Professional Experience: Over 20 years of artistic practice and creative education. * Qualification: Certified Arts and Creativity Therapist (IEK). * Experience: Long-standing practice in leading workshops for children and adults. * Focus: Specialized LtPp workshops centered on meditative design, experimental collage, and relaxation.

An intimate yoga + painting experience in Berlin designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and create freely. We’ll begin with a gentle guided yoga flow focused on grounding, nervous system regulation, and soft movement before transitioning into an intuitive painting session with music, candles, and a relaxed community atmosphere. No painting experience needed - this is about expression, not perfection. Come alone or with a friend. The space is intentionally small to keep the experience warm, calm, and personal. ✨ Included: – 40 min Slow Yoga + 15 min meditation – Canvas + all painting materials (2hr ~) – Yoga mats + blankets & cushion – Tea & cozy atmosphere 📍 b23 Space, Greifswalder Str. 23, Berlin 🗓 Saturday, May 23 ⏰ 16:00–19:00 Limited spots available.

Hallo zusammen! In Rahmen der PAKD Gallery Kurse bieten wir euch einen Zeichenkurs an. Wenn Ihr Zeichnen liebt und eure Fähigkeiten weiterentwickeln möchtet, dann seid Ihr hier genau richtig. In diesem Video erzähle ich euch von meinem Kurs für realistisches Zeichnen mit Bleistift - und wie er Eure künstlerische Arbeit auf ein neues Level bringen kann. Hattest Du schon immer das Gefühl, zeichnen können zu wollen - Dir fehlt aber die richtige Anleitung? In diesem Kurs lernst Du realistisches Zeichnen mit Bleistift, einfach, verständlich und Schritt für Schritt: • Korrekte Perspektive • Licht und Schatten • Materialdarstellung wie Glas, Keramik, Stoff, Metall Der Kurs ist perfekt für Anfänger und für alle, die ihre Fähigkeiten verbessern möchten. Wenn dieses Video Eure Leidenschaft für das Zeichnen mit Bleistift geweckt hat, dann schickt mir einfach eine E-Mail und lasst uns gemeinsam eure Reise in die Welt des realistischen Zeichnens mit Bleistift beginnen. Kleiner Kurs, große Wirkung. Maximal 12 Teilnehmer\*innen! Anmeldung: [kifan@pakd-gallery.com](mailto:kifan@pakd-gallery.com) Sichere dir deinen Platz, bevor alles ausgebucht ist. Samstag 11:00 - 14:00 Uhr. 25€ für eine einzelne 3- stündige Einheit 200€ für ein 10er-Paket, flexibles einlösbar.

**[DRAWING AND PAINTING CLASS](https://berlinschoolofdrawing.weebly.com/mixed-media-3.html)** **[on VARIOUS TECHNIQUES](https://berlinschoolofdrawing.weebly.com/mixed-media-3.html)** ***[SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS](https://berlinschoolofdrawing.weebly.com/mixed-media-3.html)*** Weekly on Thursdays from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. \- to be joined anytime\! FROM THU MAY 7TH to JULY 23rd 2026 Join anytime! *Scroll down for detailed program* Pricing options: \- 4 entrances/€120 \- to be used within 7 weeks from purchasing \- Special 3 MONTHS booking: €290 \- one time drop in: 36€ [BOOK IT HERE!](https://berlinschoolofdrawing.weebly.com/booking---contact--venue.html) This is an ongoing class from MAY to JULY 2026 The subscription to the class can be done monthly ( the 4 entrances don't have to be used in a row ) Plus: SPECIAL Price for booking 3 MONTHS to be followed in a row Each individual will be guided separately so any level is welcome! **ALL MATERIAL WILL BE PROVIDED by us:** however you are more than welcome to bring your own material and try things out. The aim of the class is to target a big range of people who know nothing about drawing, to the ones who have some experience already and want to develop ideas, techniques etc. therefore it will be suitable for complete beginners or intermediates. We will sometimes have models, sometimes work on still life, sometimes on botany, sometimes we will focus rather on techniques and some other times it ́s more liberated and free. The goal of the class is to learn how to draw, and how to find your own style with time. **DETAILED PROGRAM:** MAY 7th to JULY 30th 2026 May 7: Introduction to drawing with pencil forms, volume, perspective and shading. May 14: Drawing with pen and ink still life, focusing on positive and negative space and silhouette drawing. May 21: life drawing session with model, elaborating on pencil and charcoal and pen skills, learning about figure drawing, and applying the previous sessions into body forms and shades May 28: Drawing the face with pencils June 4: Intro to Acrylics. Materials and techniques. June 11: Colour theory applied through all painting mediums. June 18: Abstract surrealism in acrylics. How to start a painting against the fear of the blank. June 25: Image transfer with acrylic mediums and mixed media. July 2: Intro to watercolour and gouache July 9: Botanical art (drawing and painting). July 16: Introduction to Indian(Chinese) ink, learning how to work with shadows, layers and lines July23: Mixed media painting July 30: life drawing with Model, material choice up-to students

Wir laden dich herzlich zu einem besonderen Workshop ein, in dem Zeichnung und Handstickerei auf kreative Weise miteinander verschmelzen. Gemeinsam verwandeln wir einfache Zeichnungen in gestickte Kunstwerke. Du lernst die Grundlagen der Handstickerei, den bewussten Umgang mit Farben und wie Fäden als ausdrucksstarkes, künstlerisches Medium eingesetzt werden können. Schritt für Schritt entsteht so dein ganz persönliches Werk. Der Workshop ist sowohl für Anfänger\*innen als auch für Teilnehmende mit Vorkenntnissen geeignet. Im Mittelpunkt stehen Kreativität, Achtsamkeit und das handwerkliche Arbeiten als individuelle Ausdrucksform – entschleunigend, inspirierend und meditativ. **Jeden Samstag** **14:30 – 17:00 Uhr** **Teilnahmegebühr:** 20 € (inkl. aller Materialien) ✨ **Unsere Empfehlung:** Melde dich direkt für **3 Termine** an, um dein gesticktes Bild in Ruhe fertigzustellen. **3-Termine-Paket:** 50 € inkl. Materialien Lass deiner Kreativität freien Lauf und entdecke die Verbindung von Linie, Farbe und Faden!

This group is for everyone who is interested in drawing portraits! For me, drawing has been a wonderful way to gain a new perspective on the world and the people within it. Whether you are just starting out or have been drawing for ages — all levels are welcome :) How it works: 1\. We meet at The Castle pub in Mitte and do short sittings of 15 minutes for each other\. The first sitting is divided into 3 warm\-up sketches\, 5 minutes each\. 2\. Before we start\, everybody writes their name on a blank card \(provided by the organizer\); these cards are then used to randomly pick the model every 15 minutes\. 3\. Usually we do 8 sittings\, with a 15\-minute break in the middle \(so after 4 sittings\, or 1 hour\)\. -> The participation is free, but it is expected that everybody orders something from the bar to support the lovely location. Get out your pencils and let's start! Please bring your own art supplies!

Wir laden dich herzlich zu einem besonderen Workshop ein, in dem Zeichnung und Handstickerei auf kreative Weise miteinander verschmelzen. Gemeinsam verwandeln wir einfache Zeichnungen in gestickte Kunstwerke. Du lernst die Grundlagen der Handstickerei, den bewussten Umgang mit Farben und wie Fäden als ausdrucksstarkes, künstlerisches Medium eingesetzt werden können. Schritt für Schritt entsteht so dein ganz persönliches Werk. Der Workshop ist sowohl für Anfänger\*innen als auch für Teilnehmende mit Vorkenntnissen geeignet. Im Mittelpunkt stehen Kreativität, Achtsamkeit und das handwerkliche Arbeiten als individuelle Ausdrucksform – entschleunigend, inspirierend und meditativ. **Jeden Samstag** **14:30 – 17:00 Uhr** **Teilnahmegebühr:** 20 € (inkl. aller Materialien) ✨ **Unsere Empfehlung:** Melde dich direkt für **3 Termine** an, um dein gesticktes Bild in Ruhe fertigzustellen. **3-Termine-Paket:** 50 € inkl. Materialien Lass deiner Kreativität freien Lauf und entdecke die Verbindung von Linie, Farbe und Faden!

Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.

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.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.