What does model facilitated mean?
The workshop facilitator is also the live model who will hold a variety of poses for the group to draw during the workshop. Organized by Laura Francis (former 263 staff/board, 2009-2017), Life Drawing (with clothes) is an artist-led program with a DIY format. The facilitator will be the main model for the workshop, with an invitation to the participants for a volunteer to model for the last few poses (~20 minutes) and attend the session for FREE. Anyone can be a model for life drawing; you just need a body and the willingness to stay still.
How often is the workshop?
The series is on select Saturday mornings from 10-12 and will be offered twice a month starting in September 2026. Please see the calendar for dates.
Laura is in the process of expanding the team of facilitators with the goal to eventually become a more frequent offering at Gallery 263 sometime in 2027.
Who can participate?
All ages are welcome, those under 15 should be accompanied by an adult. Participants should be able to sit for periods of active drawing and not distract others. A goal of these community drawing sessions is to bring together gatherings of intergenerational groups in a shared activity. No drawing experience needed. Come practice with us!
What does sliding scale and drop in mean?
This is meant to be accessible. If the range is cost prohibitive, please come and pay what you can. There is no advanced registration for this series. Cash or venmo will be collected by the facilitator during the workshop.
What does the general schedule entail?
~9:50 onwards, arrival and start with group stretch, option to join in when you arrive
~10:05-10:20, warm up activity to loosen up and get ready to draw; facilitator holds a series of poses ranging 30 seconds to 5 minutes in duration
~10:20-11:35, facilitator poses for a series of standing and seated positions which range 5 to 17 minutes.
Brief break sometime midway.
~11:35-11:55, a volunteer can model for the last ~20 minutes for the final 1-2 poses ranging 7 to 15 minutes. The volunteer may attend for free.
At 12:00pm, the Gallery opens to public for viewing.
What materials are necessary?
Bringing your own sketchbook + drawing materials is strongly recommended. There are some clipboards, paper and other drawing materials available for use, while supplies last.
Where does the ‘10% to a social good’ go?
For the 2026 sessions, 10% of contributions will go to the The Family Van, a team of community health workers that provide FREE health screenings, education, and referrals to underserved Boston communities.
Is there any expected behavior?
To maintain a comfortable and respectful space for all, please refrain from commenting or complimenting the physical appearance of the models. There is zero tolerance for harassment. Comments such as “Nice (cool, hard, etc.) pose” are fine. “Nice eyes” is the type of thought to keep private when someone is posing, given the dynamics of the situation.
Where can I park?
The Gallery is in a residential neighborhood surrounded by permit parking. At the bottom of Pearl Street 1-2 blocks from the Gallery, there is free parking on the weekends in front of the elementary school. Turn onto Morse from Magazine Street and park with ease.
Alternatively, there are two hour parking spots free to use on Waverly St., with a ~10 minute walk back to the Gallery along Pearl St.