After Hours: Art classes with 2B or Not 2B Collective
Creative workshops inspired by nature and diverse bodies
Date and time
Dates through June – August
7pm to 9pm
Location
Temperate House
Entry via Temperate House Gate, located on Kew Road between Lion Gate and Victoria Gate on the street directly across from the Avenue
Prices
Adult Member: £34
Adult: £38
Students and Universal Credit Recipients: £18*
Over 18s event
Tickets include Garden entry.
*Limited tickets per evening. Proof of eligibility will be required on arrival.
Have you been inspired by Marc Quinn’s Light into Life exhibition?
Join 2B Or Not 2B Collective for a bespoke series of art classes inspired by nature and diverse bodies in Kew’s iconic Temperate House. Learn key skills and techniques in life drawing and fashion illustration, immersed in botanical surroundings and accompanied by curated music.
There will be guidance for anyone who feels stuck, nervous or uninspired.
2B Or Not 2B’s sessions are inclusive and suitable for all abilities. A tutor will provide guidance throughout the class. In classes with life models, the models will perform a series of timed poses.
Ticket includes entry to gardens, all materials and art class.
2B Or Not 2B Collective is a People of Colour (POC) run art group that focuses on uplifting and increasing the exposure of marginalised and underrepresented tutors and models within the art industry via welcoming creative workshops. They are based in London but also stream to an international audience and have one of the largest drawing reference libraries of diverse life models.
Important information
- Please note that only the Temperate House will be open during event times.
- Please be sure that you have chosen the right date and time slot when booking as Kew Gardens are not able to offer exchanges or refunds once tickets have been purchased. We are also not able to offer refunds/duplicates on unwanted/lost tickets.
- No under 18s permitted. This event is strictly for adults only. If you are lucky enough to look under 25 please be prepared to show proof of age at this event.
- Please note that your ticket permits you entry to the Gardens during the day of the event.
- Drinks will be available to purchase. All materials will be provided.
- Booking in advance is essential, online booking only.
- There may be filming and photography by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew or media partners that will form part of our promotional material. If you do not wish to participate, please notify a member of staff at the event.
- The event closes at 21:30pm. Last entry is 19:00pm.
Botanical Bodies Collage, 14 June
This workshop will encourage participants to draw with scissors combining their drawing techniques with the magic of collage. Get the opportunity to sit down or explore the luscious green interiors.
*Please note that life models will take part in the sessions, and they will pose partially naked.
Tutor: Jessica Au
Jessica is the co-founder of 2B Or Not 2B Collective.
Silent Stories - A Journey Through Poses, 20 June
Exploring storytelling through sequence posing and creative drawing. Models will present a series of poses that tell a story. Participants will draw these - focusing on transitions, emotions, and environment.
Tutor: Zehra Odunayo
Zehra (she/they) is a movement enthusiast, engaged in the exploration of unlocking new ways to move through our selves, struggles and societies. With a variety of creative outlets from alternative dance (twerk and pole) to poetry, writing short stories and drawing new worlds, Zehra has cultivated a personal brand known as MBBW: Movements of a Bad Black Woman. Within this platform they welcome others to move with them.
Fashion & Nature, 21 and 28 June, 26 July
A multi-dimensional workshop integrating art, nature, fashion, and sustainability.
Tutor: Isher Dhiman
With a first degree in Economics supplemented by qualifications in Fashion Design and Fashion Illustration from the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins, UAL, Isher's expertise has led to collaborations with prestigious events like London Fashion Week and London Craft Week.
Voguing with Dancers, 4 July
Voguing session drawing dancers (New and Old ways of voguing) within a botanical setting.
Tutor: Jessica Au
Floral Fashion Life Drawing, 25 July, 30 August
Pulling out clothes from designers who were inspired by flowers in line with Kew gardens. The focus of this session will be on texture, prints, silhouettes, and colours.
Tutor: Connie Lim
Connie Lim is a professional illustrator and designer from Los Angeles, California. As an artist specializing in fashion, she merged her two loves of illustration and fashion design to create unique and striking images with a strong personal vision. She is an avid believer in traditional drawing and is interested in portraying her subjects in different contexts to create visual narrative.
Celebrating the Majestic Body, 18 July
An immersive drawing workshop focusing on observation and technique. Discern body shapes, emphasizing drawing elements and encouraging focused observation. The second half features models posing in empowering stances for participants to apply newfound skills.
* Please note that life models will take part in the sessions, and they will pose partially naked.
Tutor: Zehra Odunayo
East and South East Asian Life Drawing, 19 July, 23 August
Life drawing workshop focused on ESEA (East and South East Asian) bodies, drawing inspiration from seasonal plants.
*Please note that life models will take part in the sessions, and they will pose partially naked.
Tutors: Wing Kei and Kelly Tran
Life drawing group that champions ESEA (East and South-East Asian) representation in bodily expression. Wing Kei Hoang is a tattoo artist who specialises in large-scale, body-flowing designs. Her interest in body art began 5 years ago with life drawing - through which she took a deep interest in the intersection between nudity, body image, cultural heritage, and identity. Wing Kei is actively involved with the life drawing community as an artist, life model, and host, and finds great joy in connecting with herself and others alike.
Tree Lore, 16 August
Find inspiration in the enchanting world of tree lore and our surrounding plants. Using black paper as our canvas and light-coloured pencils as our tools, participants will learn to illuminate the hidden tales and vibrant imagery associated with trees.
Tutor: Jessica Au
