On Thursday 5 March 2026, the JAGS Holst Hall was transformed into a creative studio space as the JAGS Alumnae Association welcomed more than 20 alumnae back to school for a special life drawing session. The evening was a collaboration with the JAGS Art Department and brought together former A-level Art alumnae of all ages, united by a love of art and the chance to reconnect with familiar faces and familiar corridors.

The session offered alumnae the opportunity to unwind and enjoy guided observational drawing by Teacher of Art, Andrew Carter, of long-standing JAGS life model, Lisa. The materials and easels set around the hall evoked the atmosphere of a professional studio. The gentle hum of conversation, paired with the quiet focus of those sketching, created a wonderfully reflective environment. It was wonderful to see the different interpretations of the theme in the finished drawings.

A highlight of the evening was the presence of several current students, who joined the alumnae to draw and to share their own experiences of studying art at JAGS today. Their confidence in chatting, mingling and comparing drawings added a lovely spirit to the event, and many alumnae commented on how inspiring it was to see the next generation of JAGS artists so engaged and assured.

The evening provided not just an artistic outlet, but also a space for conversation, reconnection and community building something our alumnae events continue to champion. For many attendees, life drawing offered a welcome return to the creativity that first flourished for them within the walls of Holst Hall.

We are grateful to all who joined us and to everyone in the JAGS Art Department who helped make the event such a warm and uplifting occasion.