FLESH acknowledges that we meet on stolen land and we pay our respects to the traditional and rightful owners of the land, the Ngunnawal, Ngunawal and Ngambri peoples. Sovereignty was never ceded, always was and always will be aboriginal land.

🏳‍🌈 Connect and create at FLESH!

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Please note that this is a free/unticketed/drop in event, this listing is just to keep all the event details in one place. Registering your interest is an easy way to add this event to your calendar and to receive a reminder email that it's coming up.

Please view the National Portrait Gallery' listing of this event here - www.portrait.gov.au/calendar/drawn-in-drag

✋ What is FLESH?

FLESH runs regular life drawing sessions featuring a nude life model run by and for SBLGBTQIA+ folks (and their allies). It is a relaxed, social space where drawers will pursue their own creative approaches. We usually gather at Smiths Alternative on every first Wednesday of the month.

✨ What is this Drawn In Drag Session?

In this extra special event, FLESH is collaborating with the National Portrait Gallery and SpringOUT to celebrate the newly commissioned portrait of Australian drag icon Courtney Act, done by artist Paul Yore. This session will feature 3 drag artists in full beat and all their finest drapery, posing for you to draw in a free drop-in event.

⏰ When?

Session will run from 1pm until 3pm. It is a casual drop-in/drop-out session, so please feel free to come and go at your own leisure.

The National Portrait Gallery will be open from 10am until 5pm, please make sure to leave time to see the new Courtney Act portrait and to wander the other gallery spaces.

📍 Where?

The National Portrait Gallery is located on King Edward Terrace in front of the High Court and next to the National Gallery of Australia. There is parking available underground. We will be in the Gordon Darling Hall which is the main foyer space at the National Portrait Gallery. For more information, please visit the NPG’s website here - www.portrait.gov.au/content/plan-your-visit

👀 Who?

This event is for queers and their peers and their FAMILIES! This is a special all ages version of FLESH, our models will be showcasing their drag beats and outfits and will not be posing nude. This is a great opportunity to bring your friends and family along for a multi generational experience.

Both new and experienced artists, creatives, doodlers, "I can only draw stick figures" types and even the “I can’t even draw” crowd are welcome! FLESH is all about embracing and enjoying the experience of drawing from life, it is not about “being good”.

Our models will be announced on FLESH’s Instagram. This session will feature 3 drag artists, one Queen, one King and one Thing, FLESH is excited to showcase the wide breadth of local drag talent.

Your host is Fox! Local queer icon, artist and experienced life model.

🎨 What should I bring?

ALL materials will be provided by the National Portrait Gallery including A3 cartridge paper on drawing boards and A1 cartridge paper on easels, alongside a selection of quality pencils. Unlike our usual sessions, please DO NOT bring your own materials! Due to conservation requirements, visitors are not permitted to bring their own art materials into the galleries (paper books should be fine, but no drawing supplies)

💕 Accessibility Information

Full info is available on the National portrait gallery’s website www.portrait.gov.au/content/access/ but please reach out if you have any additional questions.

Seating - backless stools available, some couch seats available, floor mats available. Some chairs with backs available apon request, but they are a standard size and won't be as suitable for my fellow fat/big baddies.

Lighting - large windows, lots of natural light.

Sound - hall space has high ceilings, can get a bit echoy, please consider bringing ear protection. Some music will be playing quietly.

Materials - Clipboard with A3 paper and easels with A2. A range of standard graphite and coloured pencils.

The space is wheelchair accessible, please see the NPG's website linked above for more details.

Contact the host of DRAWN IN DRAG Sess - FLESH Queer Life Drawing @ National Portrait Gallery