Sketching

What does it look like when ideas come to life? Join NOVA Scribes and MAFN for a full-day, in-person open house where the public is invited to step inside the world of facilitation. This is a come-and-go experience designed for curiosity, exploration, and conversation. Whether you are new to facilitation groups, you are welcome. The space will be set up as a "theater in the round," (see the image) with facilitators working live around the room. Throughout the day, you will see different techniques, styles, and modalities demonstrated in real time, from visual templates, facilitation tools, and decision-support methods. You can observe, ask questions, and engage directly with the practitioners as the work unfolds. **What you can expect** * Live demonstrations of facilitation techniques * Multiple practitioners working simultaneously, each with their own approach and style * Short, informal demos and tiny teaches that explain how and why specific techniques are used * Opportunities to talk one-on-one with experienced facilitators * A chance to see how facilitation can support sensemaking, alignment, and group dialogue **What you might explore** * Methods and templates for planning, strategy, and reflection * Facilitation methods that support participation and decision making * Tools, materials, and setup considerations for live work This open house is designed to be accessible, hands-on, and inspiring. You do not need to stay all day. Come for 20 minutes or stay for hours. Watch ideas take shape. Notice how facilitation can change the energy in the room. Ask the questions you have always wanted to ask. If you have ever been curious about how facilitation works and supports groups, this is your chance to experience it up close. **Open to the general public. No prior experience required.** We’re not charging for this workshop, but we will be asking for donations!

**Join us for a relaxing Sketch & Sip meetup at Paradise Springs Winery — and help us celebrate Ellen’s retirement! 🎉** We’ll spend a peaceful morning sketching the winery’s scenic grounds and vineyards. It’s the perfect setting to slow down, be creative, and enjoy time with the community. We’ll start together at **11:00 AM**, then spread out to sketch whatever inspires us. Toward the end, we’ll regroup to share our drawings — always a fun and inspiring part of the meetup. We’ll also take a moment to celebrate Ellen, who has hosted many of our past meetups and has been integral part of this community 💛 **What to expect:** * Relaxed, low-pressure sketching * Beautiful outdoor scenery * Friendly, welcoming group * Come and go anytime — no need to stay the whole time **What to bring:** • Sketchbook, painting materials, or any mediums that you'd like to use • Portable chair, stool, or blanket (optional) The winery has wine and food available for purchase if you’d like to enjoy something while you draw. If you’d like a preview, check out photos from a past meetup here: https://www.meetup.com/drawingnova/events/284731134/ **All skill levels welcome — even if you haven’t drawn in a while.** Looking forward to drawing together and celebrating Ellen!

**Learn the Basic Art of Drawing.** Learning to draw enhances cognitive function, improves observation skills, and reduces stress while serving as a fundamental skill for visual art. It trains the brain and hands to work together, fostering creativity, patience, and focus. Furthermore, drawing acts as a visual language, allowing for personal expression, visual thinking, and improved memory. **In this class**, you will learn how to do simple basic drawings. So that you can begin to learn more. We will follow the elements of art. I have been teaching art for 26 years. If you have ever wanted to learn to draw or gain more skill then come join us. **Details:** Meet us at Davis Library in the downstairs meeting room. This will be a 90 minute class. $10.00 per person (Please bring it with you) All supplies are included Guests must be over 50 to attend. Free easy parking. ***RSVP today***

\*UPDATED LOCATION\* Let’s hang out and journal together, trade stationery and stickers, and have a good time! Please note, we do not have a reservation, so we will do our best to find some good spots when we get there. We will be the table with notebooks and stationery spread out!

Join us for a calm and cozy afternoon of creating together at Oakton Library. This is a relaxed social art meetup, not a class. No instruction, no pressure. Just time to focus, draw, paint, and connect. We’re keeping this one intentionally small: **Maximum 10 seats** for a more intimate creative space. 🗓 First Saturday of every month 🕐 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 📍 Oakton Library *** ✨ **What to Expect** This is quiet, focused art time with light conversation. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, you’re welcome. You’re free to come late or leave early. *** 🖌 **What to Bring** Bring any materials you enjoy working with. Keep setups clean and easy for a shared public space. Suggested items: * Sketchbook or loose paper * Pencils, pens, markers, crayons * Small watercolor or gouache setup * iPad or tablet * Crochet, journaling, calligraphy — any quiet creative work is welcome Please avoid messy materials or anything with strong odors. *** 📌 **Important** Seats are limited to 10. Please RSVP to reserve your spot. If you RSVP and can’t make it, let us know so someone else can join.