Art & Socialising

Making art can be an isolating experience, it is important to get out of the house or studio and meet other creative people every now and then. Here are a few options for a bit of midweek artistic expression in Galway City Centre: First up is Life Drawing at My Art Class. Based in the beautiful old Bridgemills building, the classes are run by Mark Douglas-Smith. Known for his incredibly life-like pastel portraits, Mark is a full time practicing artist and art teacher. Single pose, 2 1/2 hour long life drawing classes are held at My Art Class on Wednesday evenings. Alternatively, try Life Drawing at 126 Artist-Run Gallery. 126 is a small gallery and studio with an insanely busy programme of events all year round. They curate contemporary exhibitions, host film screenings, talks, workshops, residencies and even write academic research reports. Now, they also do monthly Life Drawing Classes! Classes are 2 hours long, taught by a local artists and featuring professional life drawing models, posing for a series of 2, 5, 10, and 25 minute sessions.

Not too fussed on all the serious drawing stuff? Paintclub might be more your thing. Paintclub is a monthly class that mixes art and cocktails! Taught by Aisling Kearney-Burke BA Fine Art, the class is based in An Pucan pub on Forster Street. All materials are provided plus one cocktail. During the session everyone in the class paints the same picture from step-by-step guidelines, so if you’re looking to create a unique masterpiece then this probably isn’t for you. If however, you are looking to have a bit of fun, maybe learn a few painting techniques, and go home at the end of the night with a finished picture (and a drink or two the merrier) then this could be the one!