Drawing for over 65s with Jeff (since 2020)

Since the spring 2020 we run a regular Wednesday 2-4pm drawing class free of charge for over 65s.

This is lead by Jeff Parkinson, who has worked as a drawing teacher for over 30 years at other centres such as St. Ethelsburgas Centre for Reconciliation and Peace and various community centres across London who have an arts and health arm.

Jeff teachers his students how to observe their environment, how to reflect on their own feelings and how to express themselves through drawing and painting. As part of this he slowly introduces each individual student to aspects of colour, composition and observation skills. He challenges his students to be ambitious with their work, to improve their drawing skills and to learn how to research ideas in books. He brought a large reference book library to our school, which is open to anyone to use.

Local resident volunteering session (since 2017)

Every Thursday between 4-6pm during term time we have created an opportunity for local residents to join in for a maker session as volunteers. Volunteers are initially trained by one of our tutors and can then progress in their mosaic making skills as they work on our projects.

In the past we have worked on the following projects

• Zoo community mosaic outside of the school (beginner level)

• Mosaic for Afghan Women (intermediate level)

• Mosaic coasters for sale at St. Paul’s Cathedral, which help us to raise money for the school (intermediate to advanced level)

Camden Youth Justice Services (since 2017)

In partnership with Camden Council, we provide mosaic workshops for young people who are serving community sentences as part of their rehabilitation programme.

The sessions are a forum for the young people to focus on their strengths and talents, build their self-awareness and express their creativity in a non-judgemental environment. Attendees often feel a great sense of pride in developing mosaics which are often donated to, or commissioned by community organisations.

Sessions with Camden Youth Justice Service run on Mondays between 4:30 and 6pm. If you are interested in being a volunteer for these sessions, please get in touch.