Mosaics

As any one who has ever taken a selfie, only to delete it and try for a better one knows, we all have an idea of how we want to be seen by others. This was always the case. When commissioning a portrait or painting a self portrait, the foremost thing in a sitter's mind was how to present a most flattering image, and how to persuade others of one's best qualities - skills, intelligence, goodness, power or status in society. The consequence of that is that portraits usually lie in favour of propaganda. We will look at the way artists from the Renaissance onwards manipulate their sitters' and their own likenesses to reflect their ambitions and society's expectations.

Talk & Tea is a relaxed Friday evening gathering featuring an inspiring spiritual talk led by Jahnavi Ma or an experienced IVS UK teacher. After the talk, tea is served and the space opens for informal conversation, allowing participants to mingle, meet one another, and share reflections, questions, and insights inspired by the evening’s theme. This gentle, welcoming format is ideal for newcomers and those who enjoy thoughtful dialogue in a warm, community setting.

## 🎉 Friday Night Social at the National Gallery London 🎉 **Art. Connection. Adventure.** Join us for an unforgettable evening at one of the world’s most iconic art museums—the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square! With its late-night opening hours and legendary collection, this is your chance to explore masterpieces, meet new people, and enjoy a relaxed social vibe in the heart of London 🌆. ### 🖼️ About the National Gallery Founded in 1824, the National Gallery houses over 2,300 paintings spanning from the 13th to the early 20th century. From da Vinci’s ethereal brushwork to Van Gogh’s swirling sunflowers, this museum is a treasure trove of Western European art. And the best part? Admission is free! 🆓 Whether you're an art aficionado or just curious, the Gallery offers a welcoming space to wander, reflect, and connect. It’s a place where history meets inspiration—and tonight, it meets community. *** ## 🗓️ Event Schedule **6:45pm – Meet & Mingle** 📍 INSIDE the Sainsbury Wing entrance in the Foyer next to one of the thick giant columns. We’ll gather here for 30 minutes (6:45-7:15PM) to chat, introduce ourselves, and kick off the evening with our icebreaker: **“What kind of artwork are you drawn to?”** 🎭 No name tags—just good conversation and friendly faces. **7:15pm – Leave meeting point to Explore the Gallery** 🎨 We’ll head inside to explore these stunning rooms: * Room 32: Carracci, Caravaggio, Guercino * Room 34: Reynolds, Gainsborough, Turner, Constable * Room 45: Van Gogh 🌻 Feel free to roam in small groups—if you get separated, check these rooms to reconnect. **8pm – Reconvene Outside THE PORTICO EXIT** We’ll reconvene JUST OUTSIDE THE OFFICIAL PORTICO EXIT to share stories and laughs from our gallery wanderings. **8:05pm – Afterparty at ZEBRANOS IN SOHO🍸** Let the social vibes continue at a lively spot for drinks, music, and more mingling. Mention ZEN on entry. Bring ID *** ## 🎟️ Tickets & Entry This is a **free event**, but you’ll need a ticket to enter the Gallery. Grab yours from the [National Gallery website](https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/) before they run out! If tickets are unavailable, don’t worry—we’ll share a group ticket in the WhatsApp group and Meetup page 📲. *** ## 👗 Dress Code & Essentials * **Smart Casual** (no athletic track suits or sports trainers) * **Bring your ID** for the bar * A curious mind and a friendly spirit 💫 *** Ready to mix art with social magic? Let’s make Friday night a masterpiece 🖌️💃 ### \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **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.

Art Journaling is a fun and simple way to incorporate creativity into everyday life. An art journal is a great place to experiment and try out different approaches to art without the pressure of creating a masterpiece. It is an artistic form of self-expression – instead of using words alone; you will be using various media and different art techniques to express your creativity. In a busy world, largely driven by technology, taking time to be creative can often seem frivolous and indulgent. But studies show that creative activities encourage positivity and significantly improve our wellbeing. Art journaling is an effective way to de-stress and practice self-care. Join us for these drop-in sessions in Art journaling with Sai, an experienced teaching artist, avid art journaler and professional calligrapher. From simple mark making to elaborate mixed media art you will learn a variety of new skills; gain confidence in your artistic ability and develop an amazing creative habit that is both enriching and nourishing. Whether you have five minutes or half an hour to spare, Art journaling will inspire you to be creative, practice self-care and reconnect with yourself. Each week we work with different media and techniques. Sai provides some resources, however please bring an art journal and some basic supplies with you. Contact Sai directly to book bluepaletteartstudio@gmail.com

Boston Manor House, photo © Copyright [Stefan Czapski](https://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/19114 "View profile") My number is 07815009191. MEET: No. 6 Coffee, 6 Boston Parade, Boston Road, Hanwell W7 2DG. Join me on this walk mostly through green spaces: through Boston Manor Park, along the Grand Union Canal and through the once thriving site of Brentford Dock. We'll even take in an orchard, as we discover the history of Brentford. The town was once the centre of the fruit and veg garden of England with its thousands of acres of market gardens and orchards, the site of two major battles, the place to live with its grand 18th century houses and the 'Golden Mile' of art deco factories. We'll enjoy all this and see the site of probably the greatest crime against heritage of the 20th century. The cost is £12, either cash on the day or to my account sort code 090128 acct number 75471878.

Meet St James' Park Underground Station , Broadway exit opposite the Conrad Hotel Meet @ 11-11.10 Fee £15 So you think you know Westminster? Think again! How about those odd sculptures on the tube station? Or the juvenile prison? How about the bloke who is buried standing up? Or the man whose body was dug up from the Abbey? (Actually there are two!) Why is it called Big Ben and can we even see it? Lots of questions and we can walk up a street named after a palace, see where a king was executed, find out why its called Downing Street and where Henry V111 had one of his many wine cellars. What else..........................? Oh yes! We'll see where the original Royal Mews was(covered by a very famous London spot now), learn about the misnamed statue at Piccadilly and what was originally on the site of Leicester Square - yes i know you can Google it!!! There's some other bits too but if you want to know , well ....just come along! Please note that at traffic lights i will always wait for the green man signal- if there is one -and that at other crossings and on the streets generally attendees need to be vigilant. Host Laurence 07889 298573 JOIN OUR 45+ NOT GRUMPY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY <[https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/](https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/)>

Walk length 6miles/10km approx. Linear. A chance to explore the London streets from Blackfriars to Euston on a guided city stroll passing many iconic landmarks but with particular emphasis on a number of fascinating Art Deco buildings. Art Deco was a design style and movement that existed from the 1910s to the 1930s and was styled into many things including buildings, furniture, cars and fashion. Meeting Meet outside Blackfriars Train Station/Underground (north side of Thames) from 1.45am for the walk to start at 2.00pm. We will visit a pub at the end for some refreshments close to Euston Station/Kings Cross Station. Walk Cost: £4 cash on the day organizer fee (For paypal it is '[colin45@hotmail.co.uk'](http://colin45@hotmail.co.uk'/) Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer. The host is a qualified London Guide. Please keep your 'RSVP' updated for this event as it would help to get accurate numbers and determine who is turning up for the walk; my phone number is Colin 07709 305681. Please keep your 'RSVP' updated for this event as it would help to get accurate numbers and determine who is turning up for the walk; my phone number is Colin 07709 305681. Walking Safety Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking shoes, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://www.meetup.com/Escape-London-City-Explorers/pages/23195445/Terms_and_Conditions/) COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

*Disclaimer: All are welcome. Students, professionals, non professionals, business owners, curious cats. ---------------------------------------------------------- Come along to the Hercules Pillars located in Holborn in City centre of London, for a few hours to meet friendly faces, work on your personal projects, or just come and share what passion projects you are all working on. Feel free to bring your laptop, tablet, sketchbook, and notes on the day. Whether you work in Animation, Art, Design, Film, Games development, or storytelling, you are welcome to come along. We love being around diverse creatives who want an opportunity to showcase their talents. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to socialise with like-minded people and to get friendly feedback on their work. All backgrounds are welcome to join us, even if your just curious about Animation/Art/Storytelling \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* I Look forward to seeing you there.

Capture nature’s beauty with gentle, colourful brushstrokes — perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Beginners welcome! Immerse yourself in the calm, creative world of botanical watercolour with **Ann Mackowski**— an **award-winning artist** whose work has been **featured on *Sky Landscape Artist of the Year*** and who **exhibits with the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours**. In this relaxed and friendly workshop, Ann will guide you through the process of painting fresh leaves and delicate blooms, sharing the professional techniques she uses to capture the vibrancy and grace of the natural world. Whether you’re completely new to watercolour or looking to refine your skills, this is a wonderful way to unwind, connect with nature, and rediscover the joy of painting. Enjoy a few peaceful hours of creativity, conversation, and colour — and leave with a piece of art you’ll be proud to frame. **You will learn:** * How to sketch and paint plants with both **accuracy and flow** * **Colour mixing** secrets for lively greens, florals, and subtle natural shades * Techniques for **layering transparent washes** to create depth and softness * Adding **finishing touches** with fine detail brushes * How to **turn a simple study into a beautiful, frameable piece** We will take inspiration from a mix of fresh flowers, and reference works from famous botanical artists. After a step-by-step follow along exercise and several fun warmups in brushwork, you'll be able to complete your own unique composition. Midway through there will be a tea and refreshment break, and a chance to mingle with your fellow artists. A joyful celebration of colour, creativity, and the beauty of nature — perfect for anyone who loves to paint or simply wants to begin

Gentle people, It is my pleasure to invite you to Part III of Italian artists at the V&A, and a luscious afternoon of socialisation at the Grand Cafe at the V&A which is absolutely stunning. **Please note that there is no social before the tour, but only after.** I will be giving a guided tour of the Italian artists to the members of LGBT Culture Lovers group, throughout this year in multiple parts. **There's no need to have attended previous sessions as I always recap.** ***In the third event of the series, we will be looking at the sculptures of quattrocento and cinquecento.*** Included are works by **Donatello, Andrea del Verrocchio**, **Michelangelo, Raphael**, & many others. The tour will last around 60 minutes. **And here is the agenda:** * 1:45pm: Meet at the Italian style entrance on Cromwell Gardens (not the brutalist one on Exhibition Road). We will wait for 15 minutes. * 2pm: The tour starts right on the dot. * 3pm: Social at the V&A Grand Cafe! (appreciate a drink😜) I really encourage you to watch the two short videos in the further resources section, if you can. I hope to see there. J x **Further Resources** [Donatello's marble carving technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dn8F06y5mc)*,* V&A, video. [Donatello's clay modelling technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcoRoP3Abt8), V&A, video. *Due to the high demand of these tours, and the amount of preparation it takes, those with poor or problematic attendance will be moved to the waiting list, to give the space to more committed members.*

**Join LCC Sunday, March 8th at the Hackney Marshes playing field as we make another attempt at playing the Soviet Union's very own *Zarnitsa,* a capture-the-flag alternative with a small twist.** **WHAT IS ZARNITSA?** Zarnitsa (Зарница), or heat-lightning, officially known as the All-Union Young Pioneer military sports game "Zarnitsa", is a massive multi-player physical sports game developed and practiced by the Young Pioneers communist youth organisation during the Soviet era. The game provides a simulation of military actions such as reconnaissance, co-ordinated offensives, giving chase, etc. Popular once again in modern Russia, this is a simple game designed for children and young people in military/cadet organisations, but great fun for active people of all ages. The rules of Zarnitsa are based on the classic capture the flag concept. Two teams each have a "base area" with a flag contained within, concealed or otherwise. Each team's goal is to protect their own flag and seize the other team's and bring it back to the base area. Players can walk, run, sneak, hide, create diversions and use any means short of physical violence to achieve their objectives. What makes Zarnitsa different from classic CTF is simply this: every player has two velcro-attached shoulder straps that serve as health indicators and can be torn off by the opponents. Losing one indicates "wounded", losing two indicates "dead". The "wounded" players cannot run and should only walk. The "dead" players return to a respawn point or leave the game in some modes. Why are we doing this? Capture the flag is simply top fun and anyone who says otherwise is joking themselves. Zarnitsa's slightly elevated level of complexity should give us just that extra challenge needed to really make it interesting. That said, this is our first go with organising multiplayer sports games, so we'll see what the results are! As always comments, questions, suggestions and concerns are more than welcome - just contact an organiser. Sports games are a great way to get and stay active, meet new people, and break the monotony of everyday life under British capitalism. Let's get out there! For our first attempt at organising a little Zarnitsa league here in London, we'll hit up Hackney Marshes and Wick Woodland. We'll divide into two teams; each will receive coloured vests or other garments to which the health indicator strips are attached. Then we'll take up our places, count down from 60 seconds, and let the games begin! **Note: we'll want at least five people per team for this to really work right, so we'll cancel or reschedule if this one gets less than 9 RSVPs.** There's no limit to how big our group can be of course, so please do join us! Just be sure to either turn up on the day or change your RSVP if you can't make it in the end, just so we know what to expect. Take care and see you on the pitch!

We will be doing homemade runes with clay. It can take a bit of processing. To let them dry and paint. But I hope every one enjoys them. ^^ ## Rune Making Class **Carve Meaning. Shape Intention. Create Something That Lasts.** Runes are more than symbols. They are an ancient alphabet rooted in early Germanic and Norse traditions, historically used for writing, protection, divination, and marking objects with intention. Each rune carries layered meaning. Strength. Protection. Prosperity. Movement. Transformation. In this Rune Making Class, you will create your own handcrafted rune set while learning what each symbol represents and how it has been used across history. ### What Runes Are Used For Runes have traditionally been used for: • Divination and guidance • Protection markings on tools, weapons, and homes • Meditation and self reflection • Setting intention and personal focus • Symbolic storytelling Whether you approach them from a historical, spiritual, or symbolic perspective, runes are tools for reflection and intention. *** ## Who This Is For This class is for: • Fantasy and history enthusiasts • Writers and world builders • Spiritual practitioners • Makers who enjoy hands on craft • Anyone drawn to ancient symbolism No prior experience is required. *** Runes were once carved into clay, wood, bone, and stone to carry intention into the world. Now you will make your own with clay. Seats are limited. Reserve your place and create something timeless.

**💥 Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **💥 At Columbus’ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm – 1 am **.** **💥 Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **💥 Free Parking!** **💥 BYOB!** **💥 Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthony’s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **🟣** 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm **𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻** **.** **🟣** 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm **𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Class!** **.** **🟣** 9:30 pm – 1 am **𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆!** **.** **✅ Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **✅ No Experience Necessary!** **✅ No Partner Required!** **✅ Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **✅ $15 Cash / $16 Card** **✅ College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **✅ BYOB** **✅ Age 18+** **.** **✅ Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place for…** **.** **👉 Learning to Dance** **👉** Social Dancing **👉 Birthday Celebration** **👉** Bachelorette Parties **👉 Girl’s Night Out** **👉 Date Night** **👉** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **👉 Meeting New People** **👉** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** ✅ **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/) Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink. We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

Join us for our inaugural hike of the 2026 season as we hike the first leg of the Big Walnut trail. We will leave from Morse Rd at Hanna Realty and hike 2 miles on a flat paved trail along Big Walnutl creek and looping Academy Park. See you Sunday at 3 pm!