we had a fantastic joint event book swap/Painting picnic attended by over 30 people. Lots of people found new friends/contacts/connections as it occurred that they shared same passion for literature/art/music. We discussed several new initiatives that we will be working on with co-organiser Sveta Kotina - namely skill swap, language exchange and possibly painting boat trip. We had couple of 5 years old, couple of teenagers, adults and people over 50 so we are planning to organise mixed or specialised groups. Tat is an amazing achievement and i have to say thank you to everybody! We will keep you posted about new events!

Let it always be like that - sun in the sky, smiles on faces, brushes in our hands! Thanx to all our backers we had 1st part of our Picnic in a park in Castlefield, and it was a gorgeous and productive day. Our group is growing and i hope to see all newcomers at part 2 in Proper Tea on 30th September and afterwards in Friends meeting House.

we are funded so the future is bright. Meanwhile we try to make our sessions more regular, next one will be 16th Sep. Still indoors as we dont feel that confident about painting outside, but we are getting there. Feedback from one of participants: Ура, это мой первый рисунок за много лет! Спасибо Olga Gerke ( "hooray! it's my first painting since long time, thanx Olga Gerke")

a short video of our session in OLd Parsonage, Didsbury

we had a beautiful small session in Old Parsonage, Didsbury, there was 7 participants, as couple of them wanted to come but could not make it. It was as beautiful as a dream, fantastic room with two big windows nearly floor level so you can enjoy garden from indoors. The model was a bit late, but i was her poor substitute for an hour and people caught well my rust coloured dress. When the model came she put on a gauzy pink dress over her jeans and i was sad we could not have more time as it was edgy and dreamy at the same time. BTW she was totally forgiven for being late as she had cute hamsters on her t shirt and you know how I am mad about rodents :))) The group shows fantastic promise, two new girls are really talented, and one participant actually was an art therapist, i feel blushing in hindsight remembering my amateurish talk on healing properties of art!...so all in all we are doing well, i hope we will have more backers and finally go through with the project. This session shows more how it should be, how it is in my mind