LIVE NUDES IN PHX

As the days get shorter and the nights become longer, the sizzling Phoenix heat is cooling off just in time for spooky activities to sprout in place. As an art school graduate, I am always on the lookout for one-off art classes (bonus points if they’re not over $60). I’ve taken a few across the valley, but I wanted to check back on one of my favorite Phoenix-based organizations, thems., if they were hosting any sessions this month.

thems. is a queer-led non-profit that collaborates with local artists, organizations and companies to host creative workshops and queer-focused events. They regularly host gatherings such as Fruity Poetry Night (a monthly open mic aiming to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices), writing labs, printmaking workshops, figure drawing classes and photo exhibitions. These events range from free to ticketed both at the door and on their site, making thems. accessible for all!

This October, I attended my second thems. their figure drawing class at Afternoon Studios. I went to my first earlier this summer in May, which I loved. The class is meant for all skill levels, 18+, any and all materials welcomed, with minimal supplies available. I only brought my 9” x 12” sketchbook, ballpoint pens, and a few graphite and colored pencils. The atmosphere was so incredibly friendly, with neighboring participants welcoming me to borrow their supplies (this lovely woman next to me shared with me her selection of pastels).

Though I had taken figure drawing classes in college, I’m pretty rusty. The host, Three Hearts Club, had started the workshop by giving some pointers on how to execute gesture drawings and capture a live model on paper. The poses started from quick 10-15 second gesture drawings, which gradually increased to the final pose lasting 35 minutes.

I love affordable classes as much as the next person, but what keeps this workshop above the rest is how light-hearted and warm the fellow artists, hosts and models are. The majority of the class are also solo attendees, which can be especially daunting if you aren’t completely confident in your current artistic abilities. But everyone there is open to striking up conversations with whomever, sharing their supplies and showing one another their drawings. Leaving each workshop, I'm motivated to continue drawing and to generally create more in my daily life. I feel so much more comfortable and confident in my artistic abilities, so I look forward to definitely returning on a more regular basis.