Local artist Charlotte Mann (Standing on the picture below) leads a beautiful evening at the Ringway Centre, where an ash tree provides the focus for a live drawing session. While people draw on. their own style, someone reads a nature inspired book. Last week it was Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Bringing drawing and literature together offered an opportunity to spend time with a subject we might otherwise pass on our way somewhere else.
The session invited participants to look closely and respond creatively. Alongside the drawing, the readings opened up space to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and the attention we give it.
That combination feels particularly at home at the Ringway, where creative activities bring people together to share ideas, learn and enjoy each other’s company. A drawing session can offer something different from the usual pace of the day: time to concentrate, observe and explore without needing to rush towards a finished result.
The occasion also highlights improvements to the Eric Richards Hall at the Ringway. Upgraded lighting supports drawing and other creative activities, while newly installed infrared heating is a welcome addition as the weather turns colder.
These practical changes matter to the people using the hall. Lighting and warmth help make a space more inviting, whether visitors are joining a workshop, meeting neighbours or taking part in a regular group.
The ash tree session, which gather weekly, bring those elements together: a shared creative activity, thoughtful reading and a community space being improved for the people who use it.
Check in here for the coming dates: https://charlottemann.co.uk/ash-tree-drawing/
Keep an eye on the Ringway Centre’s programme for further opportunities to join in.
