Megan Charlton, 24, is originally from Haltwhistle but now lives in Hexham and established a life drawing class after realising there was a ‘huge creative community in the area’.
She studied Fine Art as a degree at Newcastle College University Centre and graduated with first-class honours in 2023.
Megan founded Hexham Life Drawing in January 2024 and has seen an ‘amazing’ response to her classes.
A ballerina modelling during a life drawing class (Image: Supplied) “I realised there is a huge creative community in this area, but the closest life drawing classes are in Newcastle, which is too far for a lot of people, including myself,” she said.
“It’s been amazing, we’ve had such a range of people from complete beginners to professionals. We have lots of regulars but also lots of newbies each week.”
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She was nominated Trader of the Week by Haus of Calm Skin Clinic for ‘bringing a creative outlet into so many people’s lives’.
Artists can enjoy snacks and drinks at the Garden Coffee House during the class (Image: Supplied) Hexham Life Drawing began as a small monthly group at Green Bee, but Megan quickly realised there was so much interest, she needed to find a larger venue.
She moved the workshops to the Garden Coffee House on Hallgate and said it is the ‘perfect venue’ for her classes, as it has a ‘lovely vibe’ and ‘delicious snacks’ for her artists.
Looking ahead to the upcoming year, Megan said she will be branching out to incorporate different creative techniques in her workshops.
“At Hexham Life Drawing in 2025, we have taken the jump to hold weekly workshops every Thursday evening,” she explained.
“We have a variety of classes each month, including nude, clothed, and themed models. As well as this, I am branching out to offer classes in different creative techniques, such as ink painting and craft journaling, which will begin in the spring.
“Hexham Life Drawing will also be collaborating with a wellness specialist this year, but I can’t give away too much information on that just yet!”
Themed classes have involved various clothed models, from a contemporary dancer to a cellist and a circus performer.
Megan said the classes are always ‘relaxed, friendly, and non-judgemental’.
Booking a place in advance is essential. For information and tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com.