Scrapbooking

Have you ever wanted to be that person who sketches in a gallery but you're too nervous to have people look over your shoulder? Yea, I've been there. It's intimidating. You feel like you're in the room naked. I've also been the person to sit and sketch and it's one of the most rewarding activities you can do. Just you, the artwork, and a bunch of people wishing they could do the same. Come and join me on the first Friday of the month and let's go to a gallery. These will be small groups and free of charge. We'll visit a new gallery each month, hopefully free ones and we'll do an hour or so of sketching, followed by a cuppa tea afterwards. Make sure you register so I can send you all the information a few days before the event.

Join us for an evening of free art exhibitions in East London. We will meet at a pub in Shoreditch before heading to several local galleries. All the exhibitions are free, and we will spend about 30 minutes at each. ↯ **Meet at The Shoreditch Arms, arrive any time from 6-7pm.** At 7:00pm we will walk to the first exhibition (less than 5 minutes away). Take a look at the galleries and exhibitions we might visit: * PrintSpace Gallery - Nick Turpin - Opening Event - [https://www.artrabbit.com/events/nick-turpin-on-the-road](https://www.artrabbit.com/events/nick-turpin-on-the-road) * The Royal Drawing Rooms - Spring Show 2026 - [https://www.artrabbit.com/events/drawn-together-spring-show-2026](https://www.artrabbit.com/events/drawn-together-spring-show-2026) * Espacio Gallery - Michael Coles (graphic art) - Opening Event - [https://www.espaciogallery.com/upcoming-exhibitions](https://www.espaciogallery.com/upcoming-exhibitions) * Whitechapel Gallery - Senga Nengudi & Gabriel Chaile - [https://www.whitechapelgallery.org/exhibitions/senga-nengudi](https://www.whitechapelgallery.org/exhibitions/senga-nengudi) ↯ **The event is free:** All exhibitions are free, and one or two of them might be serving free drinks. ↯ **How to get there:** The Shoreditch Arms pub and all the galleries are within easy walking distance of Old Street, Shoreditch High Street or Liverpool Street Stations. Google Maps link: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/AKmQvu4vTmvb64kb7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AKmQvu4vTmvb64kb7) If you can't find us when you arrive, join our WhatsApp group here and send a message: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/G66shC1b7Z5BWSTV6Am9DE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G66shC1b7Z5BWSTV6Am9DE)

Make sure to **Pre-book** your ticket through [our website](www.ontherocksbarcrawl.com/london/book-now) We're rated number 1 for nightlife on TripAdvisor in Brighton and Barcelona, and 12th in London so you know you'll have a great time ◡̈ People come from LOTS of other channels so please ignore the meetup RSVP number ◡̈ Whether you're new to London or just expanding your social circle, bar crawling is a fantastic way to meet people! Every day our crawl is full of lively people who are just there to meet new friends and have a good time. Guides will take you to at least 5 great bars and clubs in the centre of London. The guides make sure to make everyone feel included, encourage mixing within the group and introduce everyone. This makes it a great activity whether you come alone or with friends. We hope to meet you soon :) INFO: exact meeting point shared once you purchase a ticket (prices vary depending on when you book but start at £19.50) Included is : \- Entry to four bars and a club \- A free shot at each bar \- exclusive reduced drink deals at every venue \- access to the photos that we take with our big fancy camera BRING ID! 18+ years old only (Sorry, it's the law :/ ) Make sure to bring a valid Driving Licence or Passport, other forms of ID (including photocopies of the above) are unlikely to be accepted by the venues that we visit. Make sure to bring ID no matter your age. \*\*\*Please note: Due to previous bad experiences, we are unfortunately no longer able to accept stag/hen dos (or same-sex groups of more than 9) on our main crawl. To book a private crawl with us, please contact london@ontherocksbarcrawl.com\*\*\* Ts&Cs apply: [https://ontherocksbarcrawl.com/brighton/terms-and-conditions/](https://ontherocksbarcrawl.com/brighton/terms-and-conditions/)

**Join Flow Room for a life drawing session, created to bring artists and creatives together in a relaxed, supportive environment.** This session is open to all level, whether you are an experienced artist or a complete beginner, you'll fin a calm space to draw, connect, and unwind **£5 – pay on the door (cash or card)** We will have a **clothed** model with soft jazz, lo-fi playing in the background to set a calm and focused mood. Material are provided, charcoal, pencil, pastels, watercolour, and coloured pencils, but feel free to bring your own. **Location: Barnfield Hub, Herbert Pl, London SE18 3QT** Come sketch, explore your flow, and be part of a creative community in the making.

Let's sketch Trafalgar Square! Meet outside Nelson's Column in the nightmare homeland of British tourism - Trafalgar Square! An insane place full of the weirdest and most wonderful people and architecture the city has to offer. Nearest Tube Stop: Charing Cross/Leicester Square/Embankment Completely free of charge, no need to sign up, bring a friend! Feel free to drop in for the whole two hours or just short while if you'd prefer. Look for the tall ginger fella sketching away as the central meetup spot, but feel free to roam as far and wide as you like and sketch anything you damn well please! Please bring your own sketchbooks and pens/pencils. The plan will be to meet at 1pm, sketch for a couple of hours and meet back and chat at 3pm. There are plenty of places around to grab coffee or a bite to eat, hopefully the weather is good so we'll be able to sit outside but if not we could consider ducking into a cafe. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- About Sketchbook London Every week we will choose a location around the magnificent city of London and draw people, buildings, pigeons, bins, anything you want.... No payment, no pressure, no need to sign up, just show up and draw for a couple of hours. All levels, abilities and professions welcome, bring a friend! Zero pressure to interact, network, impress in any way, this is just a way to get out and about and appreciate the joy of urban sketching and all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit this thriving metropolis. I am a storyboard artist working in animation and I am happy to discuss sketching techniques or give feedback on any work but this is by no means an exclusive event for artists, all are welcome :)

**\*FREE 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

Today we'll be looking at the work of the Italian artist Caravaggio. Caravaggio adopted *chiaroscuro* lighting in his paintings in the 16th century. *Chiaroscuro* is an Italian term referencing the contrast of light (chiar) and dark (oscuro) to model three-dimensional forms. It’s a style that has quite dramatic results and one that photographers can use to create dramatic images. **Join us for a workshop in 2 parts:** * Part 1: Informative session on the incredibly interesting life and work of Caravaggio * Part 2: Shoot chiaroscuro style * We will also discuss street photography tips **PAYMENT OPTIONS** * **PayPal via RSVP** * The Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * **Send £25 via PayPal** to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee. * Send us a text or comment below and we will add you to the event attendee list. EQUIPMENT: * Any camera * Any lens such as a standard 18-55, 24-70mm etc. OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT * Alex 07956 264049 **TRAVEL WEEKEND - VENICE WEEKEND Oct 2026** [www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/) **MONTHLY EVENTS** [www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar)

In the digital age💻📡📱, do you still like getting a physical book to read? Where do you buy them? Amazon? Waterstone? Blackstone? How about join us for a bookshop crawl, let's try to find some hidden gems of independent bookshops. (Or just tag along for a chat😁) For this west London tour, we will start from Turnham Green Station, walking Chiswick High Road and King Street towards Hammersmith Station. We will do 5 bookshops📚📚📚! Don't worry, it's not a marathon, don't feel under any obligation to finish all the bookshops. The two hour time is just a guidance, some shops take longer and some are less. If you ever want to stay in one shop for longer (I know, been there, done that😂) feel free to do so, you can join us at other shops. (See itinerary below) Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the shops, so you are not obliged to buy any books, just get whatever you like. *** 📚💃🏼 📖💃🏿☕️ ITINERARY ☕️💃🏾🍷💃🏻🍴📚 We will all meet up at Turnham Green Station, don't worry if you are late, join us in along the walks. Then the tour shall begin! 1: Oxfam Bookshop Address: 90 Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick, London W4 1QN Comment: Always try to have one on the tour, staple for second-hand books. 2: Bookcase London Address: 268 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 1PD Comment: (First time doing west London, will update in the future) 3: Foster Books Address: 14-16 Bury Pl, London WC1A 2JL Comment: (First time doing west London, will update in the future) 4: The Small Library Company Address: 40 Chiswick Ln, Chiswick, London W4 2JQ Comment: (First time doing west London, will update in the future) 5: Everybody Reads Address: 6 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 1TH Comment: (First time doing west London, will update in the future) 6: Books for Amnesty Address: 175 King St, London W6 9JT Comment: Another chained charity bookshop, very much like Oxfam. Generally we finish here, then for people who want to stay we usually find somewhere to have food and further discussions in the afternoon. *** Wow, you made it, hopefully you have found some books that will make you happy🎈🎉✨. For people who likes to have more socials or talk more about books (or just to show off your purchases😆), we can find some place for a cup of coffee or a late lunch. *** Google map link for the bookshops: (TBA)

Gordon Parks was a ground-breaking photographer, filmmaker, author, and composer. You do not want to miss this very important and extraordinary FREE exhibition! The exhibition underscores Parks’ famous philosophy of using his camera as a weapon to fight injustice. Rather than focusing solely on victimization, the curated photos emphasize the strength, beauty, and humanity of the subjects. The plan is to meet at Waterstones in the cafe on the lower ground floor - then head to see the exhibition before heading out to do some street photography. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * Street photography tips and techniques * Posing or candid * Photographers rights We will have a series of exercises to help you hone your eye for street photography. EQUIPMENT: * Any camera * 50mm F1.8 is recommended * A lens with a fast aperture (f1.8-f2.8) OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! PAYMENT OPTIONS * PayPal via RSVP - Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * Send £25 via PayPal to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee. * Text Alex on 07956264049 and we will add you to the event attendee list. TRAVEL * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 **VENICE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND - Oct 2026** [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/) **UPCOMING EVENTS** [www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events) Photo ©Gordon Parks

There will be some very interesting characters dressed in period clothing strolling the streets of London. Some may have handlebar moustaches as well! Join us and build your portfolio with colourful portraits at this walk inspired by the NYC Easter Parade. The walk will be a mix of historic London locations and hopefully introducing you to some hidden gems that are off the beaten track. EXPERIENCE Complete beginners or those who would like a refresher. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: * Shooting people * Candid or posed and how to approach people * Camera settings EQUIPMENT: * Any camera * A standard 18-55, 24-70 etc * A 70-200 for candid shots or close ups OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! PAYMENT OPTIONS * PayPal via RSVP - Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * Send £25 via PayPal to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee. * Text Alex on 07956264049 and we will add you to the event attendee list. TRAVEL * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 VENICE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND - Oct 2026 [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095) UPCOMING EVENTS [www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events](http://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events)

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

This Month's Book: *On A Sunbeam* by Tillie Walden Join us for discussion at the Granville Public Library from 6 to 7pm. Follow us on Instagram: @granvillepridebookclub

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

Let's Crop!

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!