Sketch from life! DARA offers different open sketch sessions for both students and visiting artists. Open sketch sessions are uninstructed opportunities to draw or paint the model from life in a structured studio environment. A studio moderator will set the pose, keep time, and maintain the professional standards that make DARA a pleasant place for both artists and models to work. Early bookings are rewarded: your session fee is discounted if you book more than 2 days in advance.

Easels and drawing boards are provided. Participants are responsible for bringing all other materials. Studio doors open 30 minutes before the session starts, and easel selection is first-come, first-served. Late arrivals are not permitted to enter the classroom until the model is on a break (breaks are every 25 minutes.) Some artist materials are prohibited for use inside DARA classrooms to ensure the health and safety of everyone working in our space, and there are no exceptions allowed. Taking photos of models is strictly forbidden and will result in dismissal from DARA.

​As a condition of participation, all artists agree to follow DARA's Studio Policies and Code of Conduct.
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Collect and save! Pick up a sticker card during your visit, and collect one sticker per session. After 10 stickers, your next session is free!

Schedule: Spring sketch sessions run from 21 March to 21 June. The summer sketch schedule will be posted shortly.

Clothed Portrait | Wednesday mornings | The model is fully clothed and posing the upper body only. One pose is held for 3 hours. A new model sits every week.
Long Pose Nude | Friday mornings | An opportunity for an extended study, in which one model poses for multiple weeks. Perfect for those looking to work out highly refined drawings or paintings, but you're also welcome to join only one session. You must be 18 or older to participate. There are a few extra rules in place if you want to reserve the same easel for multiple weeks - please refer to the Studio Policies above. Current Pose: 10 sessions (30 hours) 7 April - 21 June
3-Hour Nude | Friday afternoons | The model is nude and posing the entire figure. One pose is held for 3 hours. A new model poses every week. You must be 18 or older to participate.
Short Pose Nude | Saturday evenings | The model is nude and posing the entire figure. There is a dynamic range of short poses, lasting from 1 minute to 25 minutes.  A new model poses every week. You must be 18 or older to participate.