Life Drawing

Our Life Drawing exhibition, Drawn Together: The Living Figure is currently on view at McGuffey Art Center through August 17th

Drawing by Tori Cherry

Open to the Public
Thursdays: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Sundays: 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Facilitated by a new team

All levels welcome. No RSVP required.

3-hour life drawing sessions are open to the public for artists to draw, paint, or sculpt from a live model. Models are a combination of nude, draped, or clothed depending on the day and model. A full schedule is listed below, but generally follows a pattern that alternates between two types of sessions:

Long Pose Sessions — even dates (ex: June 12)

Varied Pose Sessions — odd dates (ex: July 23)

During long-pose sessions, a model will hold a single pose for the entire session allowing artists to complete more finished works. Varied-pose sessions start with a warm up of short, dynamic poses then progress to longer poses for more detailed works.

Bring your own drawing materials. Easels and chairs provided. Bring headphones if you prefer music while drawing.

We practice contemplative life drawing, upholding a quiet space, free of conversation. Artists of all experience levels are welcome. All attendees are required to sign a guidelines agreement and liability waiver on their first visit.

LOCATION:
Starnes Classroom

PARKING: Parking is available on the right-hand side of the parking lot behind the building. Please get a parking pass for your windshield from the office (during building open hours) or from the class facilitators.

FACILITATORS: Rotating—Tori Cherry & Anna Fox Ryan

STUDENTS: Adults, and teens who have written parental permission to draw from the nude model.

PAYMENT INFORMATION: All participants contribute $15 for the model fee. Cash is required (correct change please). Registration is not required

CONTACT
Tori Cherry
mcguffeylifedrawing@gmail.com

Drawing by Michael Powers

Drawing by Anna Fox Ryan

Upcoming Sessions

Thu. July 10, 6-9PM Long Pose, Clothed

Sun. July 13, 2-5PM Varied Pose, Clothed

Thu. July 17, 6-9PM Varied Pose, Nude

Sun. July 20, 2-5PM Long Pose, Nude

Thu. July 24, 6-9PM Long Pose, Clothed

Sun. July 27 Session Cancelled

Thu. July 31, 6-9PM Varied Pose, Nude

Sun. August 3 Session Cancelled

Starting in September, we will meet on
Wednesdays from 6-9pm and
Sundays from 10am-1pm.

FAQs

🗓️ When are sessions held?

We currently host sessions on Thursdays from 6-9pm and Sundays from 2-5pm. Starting in the Fall (September 2025), we will begin hosting sessions on Wednesdays from 6-9pm and Sundays from 10am-1pm.

✏️ How can I volunteer during sessions?

Any help setting up before and cleaning up after each session is much appreciated! Show up 30 minutes before start time to help set up and ~15 minutes prior to end time to help clean up.

🎓 Are there scholarships available?

We do not currently offer full scholarships, however we do offer discounted fees to many groups. The following groups may pay a discounted fee of $5 to attend our sessions:

Students of the University of Virginia
Students of Piedmont Virginia Community College
McGuffey Incubator artists
Current Life Drawing models

✉️ Do I need to RSVP for sessions?

Nope, just show up!

📋 How do I sign up to model for sessions?

You can submit a response to this form and a facilitator will get back to you with more information.

🎨 What supplies do I need?

Bring the surface and tools you’re most comfortable with. This could be sketchbook, paper, or canvas, and the pencils, charcoal, or paints of your preference.
Note for oil painters: only odorless mineral spirits is the only solvent permitted and your solvent container must be covered when not in immediate use. Please plan accordingly.

🍿 Are there snacks?

Sadly we aren’t able to provide snacks at this time. However, we encourage you to bring your own snacks, especially if you want to share!