Inclusive, welcoming life drawing in Folkestone

A queer-led, peer-supported creative community for artists and models of all experience levels.

What is EVERYBODY?

EVERYBODY is a queer-led, inclusive, peer-supported life drawing circle in Folkestone. We celebrate creativity, connection, community, and body diversity, creating a welcoming space where artists and models of all experience levels can take part.

EVERYBODY focuses on creativity, connection, and encouragement rather than critique. Participants are welcome to share their work, but there is never any pressure to do so.

We have monthly life drawing sessions, 7-9pm on the last Thursday of the month at Sunflower House.

Concession tickets are available on a no-questions-asked basis, and pay-it-forward options help support wider access to the sessions.

Who is EVERYBODY for?

EVERYBODY is open to anyone aged 18+ who would like to spend time drawing in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Whether you’re completely new to life drawing, returning after a break, developing your artistic practice, or simply looking for a creative way to connect with others, you’re very welcome.

We welcome artists of all experience levels, as well as people who may not think of themselves as artists at all.

Why We Started EVERYBODY

EVERYBODY was created to offer an accessible and inclusive alternative to more traditional life drawing spaces.

We believe that art is for everybody. Our sessions celebrate diversity in both the bodies represented and the people taking part. Creating a friendly, low-pressure environment allows people to develop confidence, creativity, and community alongside their drawing practice.

Many participants tell us that the sense of belonging and connection is just as valuable as the drawing itself.

Testimonials

Upcoming sessions

Attend regularly?

6-Session Life Drawing Pass

Discounted 6-session packs. Get 6 life drawing tickets for the price of 5.

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Looking for a Creative Gift?

Incalculable eGift Voucher

Purchase an eGift Voucher for a creative person in your life.

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Interested in Modelling?

Not at all.

EVERYBODY welcomes artists of all experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. There is no expectation that you know how to draw, and many people attend for the creative process, community, and opportunity to experiment.

Basic drawing materials are available if needed, but you’re very welcome to bring your own sketchbook and favourite materials. Whether you work in pencil, charcoal, ink, pastels, watercolour, or digitally, you’re welcome to draw in whatever way feels right for you.

Sessions usually include a mixture of shorter and longer poses, ranging from quick warm-up sketches to extended studies. We also take a short break for refreshments and informal conversation.

EVERYBODY is designed to be a relaxed, peer-supported space rather than a formal art class. There is no expectation to share your work, receive critique, or draw in a particular way. You’re welcome to participate however feels comfortable for you, whether that’s quietly focusing on your sketchbook or connecting with fellow participants during the break.

EVERYBODY is primarily a peer-supported, community life drawing session rather than a taught class.

Participants are welcome to work independently, chat informally during breaks, share ideas, and support one another in a relaxed and encouraging environment.

Facilitators will keep time and offer prompts for the warm-up and switcheroo collaborative sketching activities, but there is no formal teaching component.

EVERYBODY was created as an inclusive and welcoming alternative to more traditional life drawing spaces.

We celebrate diversity in both the bodies represented and the people participating. The aim is to create a friendly environment where people can explore creativity without judgement or pressure.

Many attendees tell us they value the supportive atmosphere and sense of community as much as the drawing itself.

Sessions may feature either clothed or unclothed models, depending on the session. We celebrate body diversity and respect each model’s comfort, preferences, and self-expression.

We aim to make EVERYBODY as accessible and welcoming as possible. Currently our sessions are held at Sunflower House, 45 Foord Rd, Folkestone CT19 5AE. Sunflower House is a community focussed centre whose ethos is well-aligned with our own. It is accessible to wheelchair users and toilets are gender neutral during our sessions (including the more spacious disability-friendly bathroom).

EVERYBODY is currently open to adults aged 18 and over.

Yes.

Gift vouchers are available and make a lovely present for artists, creative friends, or anyone interested in trying life drawing for the first time.

[View Gift Vouchers]

We’re always interested in hearing from potential models.

No previous modelling experience necessary. We particularly encourage enquiries from people interested in helping us represent a wide range of bodies, experiences, and identities.

Please visit our Life Modelling page for more information.

[Learn About Life Modelling]

Absolutely.

Many people attend their first session feeling a little nervous, whether they’re new to life drawing, returning after a long break, or attending a new group for the first time.

EVERYBODY is designed to be friendly, welcoming, and low-pressure. You don’t need to be “good at art” to take part, and you’ll be warmly welcomed exactly as you are.

We expect all artists to:

Respect our models: They are working so this means no touching, no invading their space, no conversations about their appearance, and absolutely no asking out on dates..
Not take photos: This is a violation and we prioritise the safety and comfort of our models. Anyone doing this will be asked to leave.
Put phones away: This is out of respect for our models. We want our models to feel safe and secure at all times and this means having your focus.
Arrive on time: This is out of respect for our models and to create a safe environment with no interruptions.
Respect each other as artists: We welcome artists of all abilities and experiences. Let’s share positive and encouraging feedback. This isn’t a place for crits.

Ready to Join Us?

Whether you’re an experienced artist or picking up a pencil for the first time, we’d love to welcome you to EVERYBODY.

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Life Drawing

Inclusive, welcoming life drawing in Folkestone

What is EVERYBODY?

Who is EVERYBODY for?