SketchFACE Nights ALL AGES

SketchFACE ALL AGES

Thursday 29 October · 6–8pm · Patch, Chelmsford

Every 70-year-old was once 7. Every 7-year-old will be 70.

But most of the time we only see each other as "the kids" or "the oldies". This month at SketchFACE we're doing something about that.

Sit opposite someone from a different generation. Ask them what their favourite colour is, what they used to be scared of, what they used to be scared of, what they know now that they didn't know then. Then draw them through playful exercises. 

Somewhere between the questions and the wonky noses, you stop seeing an age and start seeing a person. It's surprisingly moving. And very funny.

Why this one?
If you met us at festivals and events in Season ONE, you'll have seen how much young people LOVE drawing with SketchFACE. Families, teens and grandparents have been asking for a session together, so here it is. It's the same JOIE DE VIVRE you know from us, with YOUTH bringing the ZEST.

We believe in learning through play at every age, and in making warm, welcoming spaces where ALL AGES can draw together.

Who's it for?

• Everyone. You don't need to be part of a family or bring a young person. It's a genuine mix, and TRUST US, drawing people you know alongside people you've never met works beautifully.
• Children aged 7 and up. It's half term and runs 6–8pm, so it suits children who can manage a later night in the holidays.
• Teens: very welcome.
• Grandparents: a delight, and always a blessing at our events!
• Regular SketchFACErs: come too. All the usual FUN creative exercises are waiting for you.

Good to know

Drawings get swapped. If you pose for the group, you take home the drawings everyone makes of you, which means everyone gives drawings away. It helps if children know this before they come. We've never had a problem, and nobody is ever made to do anything.

Your host: Helen Girling spent many years in education as a teacher, leader and innovator, and she's a mum herself, so there's nothing she hasn't seen before.

Bring a snack if you'd like. Water is provided on a separate table, to keep drinks away from the drawings.

The usual SketchFACE bits

• All materials are included.
• Patch, the venue, has an honesty bar for drinks and snacks.
• Some people have drawn loads, others not since school. Everyone can draw with SketchFACE!
• Helen leads you through playful drawing exercises where it's ACTUALLY possible to let go of your inner critic.
• If you've ever wanted to be drawn, you can take a short, relaxed pose while we sketch you. There's no pressure.
• We draw each other, and even if you don't believe it yet… it feels good!
• Don't expect a long, traditional portrait class. Do expect pace and unexpected joy!

PATCH members get 10% off.

Follow us on Instagram @sketchface_chelmsford and on Facebook.

Photo: @claire_naylor_photography, from our recent event in partnership with @patchplaces.