Figure Drawing Classes, Workshops, Open Studios
in Washington DC,
Maryland, and
Virginia
To exercise your muscles, go to the gym. To exercise your art skills, attend a figure drawing session.
This is a directory of art schools, ateliers, and studios where artists can paint, sculpt, or draw live art models.
Life Drawing groups come and go, and schedules change, so it is wise to confirm with the organizer before attending.
Please report any defunct groups or broken links to directory artmodelbook.com
See submission guidelines if you would like a free listing.
District of Columbia
— sorted by Zip Code
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
545 7th Street SE
Washington DC 20003
202-547-6839
Instructed and Uninstructed
Instructed: Life Drawing. In this class students will increase their
understanding of and comfort with rendering the human figure. It
is assumed that all students have some prior drawing experience.
Uninstructed: Working from Figure, a 4-week figure drawing studio
on Saturday afternoons. This is an opportunity for artists to work
on drawings or paintings in front of the live art model. Please bring
your own drawing materials. Easels are available. Cost: $60 for
4 sessions payable to CHAW or $20/session drop-in. Session will
be canceled after first day if 6 people are not registered.
Vitruvian Gallery
734 7th Street SE, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20003
draw vitruviangallery.com
Instructed and Uninstructed
Uninstructed open drawing session with a male model. Sundays 3:30-6:30pm.
Instructed classes include Drawing the Male Figure: Basic to Erotic Pose.
Academic pose is dead at Vitruvian. After all, how many discus throwers does an artist
really need to see? We encourage models and artists alike to push beyond the boundaries
of the traditional figure study and focus on creating something special. We invite artists
of any experience level to draw/sketch in our sessions.
Corcoran College of Art + Design
1801 35th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
ceadvisor corcoran.org 202.298.2541
Instructed
Course offerings include a standalone figure drawng class as well
as a series of courses leading to a Certificate in Figurative Studies,
students are grounded in the fundamentals of anatomy, figure drawing
and figure Sculpture. Electives in figure painting, color theory
and large format painting offer the student the opportunity to proceed
toward certificate completion in a more personally expressive approach.
Figure Models Guild
MOCA DC Gallery
1054 31st St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
mocadc2010 gmail.com
202-342-6230
Uninstructed
First Sunday of each month 1:00-6:00pm—call to verify. Artist and Model Meeting. $10 artist's fee.
First hour is to meet each other and discuss various issues in art modeling, followed by uninstructed figure drawing.
International Arts & Artists
Hillyer Art Space
9 Hillyer Court NW
Washington, DC 20008
events artsandartists.org
202-338-0680
Uninstructed
Life drawing. Tuesdays 6:00-9:00pm. $12 a session. $10 for IA&A members. Please come join us!
Hillyer Art Space is located behind the Phillips Collection and
Cosmos Club, just blocks from the Dupont Circle metro stop (Red
line). Please note the gallery does not have parking. Street parking
is available (R Street and Decatur Place are best). International
Arts & Artists an organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural
understanding and exposure to the arts internationally. Please contact
Lucy Clark at lcstudio earthlink.net
or 202-546-6060 to inquire about art modeling.
Washington
Studio School
2129 S Street NW
Washington, DC 20008
admin washingtonstudioschool.org
202-234-3030
Instructed and Uninstructed
Instructed Art classes include Figure Drawing and Figure Sculpture.
Uninstructed Open Life Drawing with the Model, Mondays 7:00-10:00pm and
Open Life Painting with the Model, Thursdays 7:00-10:00pm. Monitored.
$18.00 per session or may purchase ‘packs’ of sessions
for a discounted price. Registration is necessary, but may be done
just days in advance of the session. Drop-ins are welcome as space allows.
A. Salon
6925 Willow Street NW
Washington, DC 20012
ASalonDC verizon.net 202-882-0740
Instructed and Uninstructed
Life Drawing with instruction and Uninstructed Life Drawing. Ages 16-18 must have permission letter.
Dupont Drawing Group
2201 P Street NW [The group meets at Church of the Pilgrims]
Washington, DC 20037
dupontdrawinggroup googlegroups.com
202-841-0864 - Google
Group
Uninstructed
Artists meet on most Tuesdays 7:00-9:30pm and draw from a live art model.
Bring your own materials. Drawing spots and easels are available
on a first come first serve basis. Arrive any time after 6:45. The
drawing begins promptly at 7:00. There is a modest model fee collected
to pay our models. No reservations are required. Join the Google
group for information on upcoming sessions. Cancellations will be
sent out as soon as we know of scheduling issues. Street parking
may be available on the south side of the church, please do not
park in the church parking lot.
Maryland
— sorted by Zip Code
Atelier
Royal — The Private Studio of Gerald King
4510 Sheridan Street (near the intersection
of Route 1 and East-West Highway- or Route 410)
Riverdale, Maryland 20737
gerald geraldking.com 301-779-1488
Uninstructed
Open Drawing and Painting with a live art model. $15.00/three hours
(Includes model fee). $20.00 first time and/or with instruction
from Gerald King. Thursday evenings 7:00-10:00pm. Sustained
poses accommodate painting and chiaroscuro drawing. Models will
maintain the same pose for 4 or 5 sessions (12-15 hours). Artists
supply their own tools and materials. Some easels available on first come basis.
Greenbelt Community Center
15 Crescent Road,
Greenbelt, Maryland 20770
ndewald greenbeltmd.gov 301-397-2208
Instructed
Classes include Drawing from Life. Learn to draw from a live art model.
Students bring their own drawing materials. Easels provided. All skill levels welcome.
Washington School of Photography
4850 Rugby Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
info wsp-photo.com
301-654-1998
Workshops include Classical Fine Art Figure Photography. Learn to
work with models, classic and inventive lighting techniques, backdrop and posing choices, and some fun props.
Yellow Barn Studio
Glen Echo Park
7300 MacArthur Blvd.
Glen Echo, MD 20814
Brandt4749 aol.com
301-371-5593
Instructed and Uninstructed
Uninstructed Open Studio Figure Drawing. Instructed classes include
Figure Drawing; Advanced Life Drawing & Painting; Figure &
Portrait Painting; Portrait & Figure Drawing & Painting;
Landscape, Figure and Studio; and Figure & Studio. For questions
about the classes, see contact information above. For course registration,
contact the Glen Echo Partnership for Arts & Culture at 301-320-7757.
Montgomery College
The Rockville Campus
51 Mannakee Street,
Rockville, MD 20850
Uninstructed
WEEKEND ART GROUPS
Friday Night Portrait Group: 6:30-9:30pm, room 405 ART. Portrait
study, clothed models, $6-9/session ($5 MC art students). Contact:
Dewey Heising, 202-363-2034
Saturday Morning Sketch Group: 9:30am-12:30pm, room 304 ART.
Figure study, short poses, $6-9/session ($5 MC art students). Contact:
Decheng Cai, 301-977-7153
Sunday Life Study Group: 10:00am-1:00pm, room 301 ART. Figure
study, long poses, $9/session ($5 MC art students).. Contact: Barbara
Seligson, 301-738-0016
Sunday Figure Painting Group: 10:00am-1:00pm, room 405 ART.
Figure painting, one long pose, $9/session ($5 MC art students)..
Contact: Al Sanchez, 301-384-4278
VisArts at Rockville
155 Gibbs Street, Suite 300
Rockville, MD 20850
info visartscenter.org 301-315-8200
Instructed and Uninstructed
Classes include Classical Drawing, Figure Drawing I: Gesture & Tone, and Figure Drawing II: Structure.
Open Studio Figure Drawing & Painting - drop-in sessions on Tuesday evenings. See website for schedule.
Plaza
Artists Materials
1594-B Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
help plazaart.com
301-770-0500
Uninstructed
Open Studio with Figure Model. Join us for a non-instructional open
figure model session. Work from a nude model and improve your life
drawing skills, while benefitting from the company and skills of
other artists. Bring your own supplies and work in any medium. Must
be 18 or over. Fee $10. No refunds. Call for dates.
BlackRock Center for the Arts
12901 Town Commons Drive
Germantown, MD 20874
kmarshall blackrockcenter.org 301-528-2260
Uninstructed
Figure Model Sessions. Join your fellow artists for a series of figure drawing. All levels are welcome to participate
in these free style sessions. Assistance with drawing is available if needed. Work at your own pace as you practice
your figure drawing skills and have a chance to see how other artists work. Bring your own art supplies;
we provide the costumed art model and easels. Single Session drop-in fee: $10.
School of Art + Design Noncredit Program
Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus of Montgomery College
Program Location:
930 King Street
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Mailing Address: School of Art + Design, 7600 Takoma Avenue, CF120,
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Instructed and Open Model Drawing
Classes include Introduction to Figure Drawing, Portrait Drawing, and Advanced Figure Drawing and Painting: Single Pose.
For more information, please contact Belva.Hill montgomerycollege.edu
240-567-5821. Ms. Hill is the Art Model Coordinator and can give
information about noncredit open enrollment figure drawing and painting classes.
Howard County Arts Council
8510 High Ridge Road
Ellicott City, MD 21043
info hocoarts.org
410-313-ARTS (2787)
Uninstructed
Life Drawing/Painting Sessions - Drop In. Tuesdays 7:30-10:00pm,
Room 9. Year-round. $12 per session (purchased in advance). $60
for 6 sessions. A live, nude art model is provided at each session.
A monitor coordinates all sessions, however, instruction is not
provided. The sessions consist of a single pose with the same model
over a multiple week period for detailed figure study work. One
day, multi-pose sketching sessions will be held on occasion. Bring
your own art materials. There are a limited number of easels, which
are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sessions purchased
in advance are only good for one year from time of purchase. Pre-registration
is not required. Participants under age 18 must have parental consent to participate.
Zoll Studio School of Fine Art
15 West Aylesbury Road, Suite 601 (2nd Floor)
Timonium, MD 21093
info zollstudio.com 410-296-0233
Instructed and Uninstructed
Life Open Session, Tuesdays 7:00-10:00pm. $10.
Instructed classes include Life and Portrait.
Dr. Sketchy's Baltimore
Windup Space
12 W North Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Uninstructed
Cabaret drawing events. Second and fourth Monday of every month. This is the Baltimore affiliate of Dr. Sketchy's
Anti-Art School, founded in New York City.
The Schuler School of Fine Arts
7 East Lafayette Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21202
Contact Hans: info schulerschool.com 410-685-3568
Uninstructed
We offer an open studio figure session on Friday nights 7:00-10:00pm. One pose per session, sometimes continuing
on the next week if participants are interested. The model fee is $10.
Plaza Artists Materials
Plaza Artists Materials
519 York Road
Towson, MD 21204
help plazaart.com
410-823-6406
Uninstructed
Open Studio with Figure Model. Join us for a non-instructional open
figure model session. Work from a nude art model and improve your life
drawing skills, while benefitting from the company and skills of
other artists. Bring your own supplies and work in any medium. Must
be 18 or over. Fee $10. No refunds. Call for dates.
Mitchell School of Fine Arts
6247 Falls Road
Baltimore, MD 21209
410-296-0077
Instructed and Uninstructed
Art classes include Portrait. Students develop an understanding of the human form by observing the model
as well as some examples by the masters. Contour, gesture, values, composition in drawing and painting establish
the foundation. This course incorporates lectures, demonstrations, class and individual critique. The objective
is to develop a sense of gesture, balance, rhythm, grace and proportion of the human figure.
Open Figure Drawing. Thursdays 6:30-9:30pm. $12.
Studio 55
5529 Harford Road
Baltimore, MD 21214
studio55 verizon.net
410-444-0022
Uninstructed
Uninstructed portrait study sessions are held on Thursdays 10:00am-1:00pm.
Work from live, clothed art model to improve your drawing or painting skills.
Limited number of easels and drawing tables available on a first-come basis.
All media welcome. $10.00 per session.
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
1300 Mount Royal Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
410-225-2219
Instructed and Uninstructed
Classes incude: Figures in Clay (Human and canine models are provided);
Painting the Portrait & Figure; and Drawing the Whole Figure:
Head, Hands and Feet. Open studio model sessions offered for those
who want to draw or paint from the live figure; each section includes
two art models—one for quick poses for sketching, and one for
sustained drawing or painting.
Parker Studio of Structural Sculpture
1115 West Lanvale St.
Baltimore, MD 21217
sculptorBradP sculptorBradP.com
301-263-0324 - Cell;
410-225-3546 - Home / Studio
Instructed and Uninstructed
Session times vary by semester for Open Drawing, Open Sculpture groups,
and classes in Portrait Sculpture, Figure Sculpture, Relief Sculpture,
and Drawing. Ask about classes, and other times for open groups
not posted on the public Calendar. Plentiful free parking on street.
Charles Village Figure Drawing
412 East 31st Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
modelblife gmail.com 443-831-3564
Uninstructed
Nude Full Figure Model drawing/sketching session with experienced models through the Figure Models Guild DC directory.
Poses will range from classic to requests by the attending artists. Poses start with 1-2 minutes, then 10 minutes, then
one or two longer poses in 3x20min sets. Artists bring their own equipment. No room for easels. Chairs provided.
At present sessions will be on Fridays, but this could change depending on requests. 2:00-5:00pm and 6:30-9:30pm.
$10-$12 for 3 hours of drawing. Any capability and experience of artist are welcome to attend.
At least two artists are required to attend any session.
School 33
1427 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
school33 promotionandarts.com
410-396-4641
Instructed
Classes include Figure/Portrait Drawing: This class focuses on rendering
accurately the various parts of the human body and face. Techniques
for observing form and value, mapping with shapes and creating textures
in pencil and charcoal would be demonstrated and practiced. Artists
will draw a live art model during 3 of the class sessions. Supply list
will be mailed. To enroll in this class or for inquires please contact
Ann Wiker, AEArtDealer aol.com
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
801 Chase St.
Annapolis, MD 21401
lmills mdhallarts.org
410-263-5544
Instructed
Classes include Charcoal Drawing - An introduction to the Model, Classical Life Drawing in Charcoal, Portrait Drawing in Charcoal, Figure Drawing Workshop, Figure Sculpture Workshop,
Portrait Sculpture Workshop, Figure Painting Alla Prima, Portrait Painting in Oil, Painting the Head in Oil, Pastel Portrait.
St. John’s College
60 College Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
molly.burnett sjca.edu 410-626-2881
Instructed
Art classes include Life Drawing and Figure Sculpture in Clay.
The Life Drawing Group
Cumberland Theatre
101-103 N. Johnson Street (entrance on the Fayette Street side of the building)
Cumberland, MD 21502
Contact Bev Walker 301-724-8978.
Uninstructed
The Life Drawing Group meets Thursdays at 7:00pm. This informal sketch
group focuses on learning to draw nude figures in a variety of media.
The cost varies, depending on how many people show up for the class.
Participants each pay a portion of the art model fee ($40) and the facility
fee ($10 for utilities). Fees include most supplies for the class.
Easton Studio and School
307 E. Dover Street
Easton, MD 21601
eastonstudio verizon.net
410-770-4421
Instructed
Still Life and Figurative Monthly Oil Painting Sessions with Louis Escobedo. Thursdays 9:00am-4:00pm. Four sessions per month. For advanced painters. By observation, learn how Louis approaches a painting, manipulates the paint and solves problems. The last hour includes a vital critique of paintings.
Drop-In Painting Clinics with Nancy Tankersley. Tuesdays 9:00am-12:00noon and 1:00-4:00pm. For all levels. Sometimes using a model, other times still life or projected photos. Nancy will be available during breaks for assistance. Optional critique at the end. Any model fees will be extra.
A number of 2 to 4 day workshops are also offered throughout the year.
Virginia
— sorted by Zip Code
Horizons Art School
43490 Yukon Dr., Ste. 112
Ashburn, VA 20147
Instructed
Tuesdays 11:15am-1:15pm. Learn how to draw people, with the ultimate goal of rendering realistic
multi-figure compositions. Easels and benches are provided. Various models - male and female.
Generally draped. ~$30/session. An in-depth lesson with practice and critique each week. Fun and focused.
ArtSpace
Herndon
750 Center street
Herndon VA 20170
info artspaceherndon.com
703-956-6590
Instructed and Uninstructed
The ArtSpace Herndon offers masterclasses and workshops in figure
and portrait painting with regional and nationally recognized artists.
Artists are invited to participate in a life drawing/painting group
($15/person) that meets every Wednesday night 7:00-10:00pm.
Call or e-mail for details about classes, workshops and life drawing sessions.
Loudoun Academy of the Arts
222 South King Street
Leesburg, VA 20175
artclass loudounacademy.org
703-777-8043
Uninstructed
Life Drawing open studios are offered Mondays 6:30-9:30pm and Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm.
Wednesday session is a long pose with the same art model and pose for two or three weeks to allow
for drawing, painting, or sculpting. Bring your own drawing materials. $15 Drop-in fee or $75 when you register for 6 dates.
Great Falls School of Art
1144 Walker Road, Suite D
Great Falls, VA 22066
contact Terri Parent at terrikate aol.com
Instructed
Art classes include Figure Drawing, Drawing from Life, and Oil Painting from Life.
Workhouse Arts Center
9601 Ox Road
Lorton, VA 22079
debrayarrington lortonarts.org
703-495-0001
Uninstructed
Open Life Drawing. Drop In And Draw! The poses range from 1-minute
gestures to a long pose running roughly an hour each week with the
same model for four weeks. Nude art models will be utilized in this
class. The class meets in W-4 on most Thursdays 7:00-10:00pm — see
website for exceptions. $10 for members and students with ID; $15
for non-members. Reservations are suggested. Most media welcome.
For more information, please contact Josh Yavelberg at josh yavelbergstudios.com.
McLean
Project for the Arts
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Ave
McLean, VA 22101
703-790-1953
Uninstructed
Open Studio Figure Drawing three times a week: Tuesdays 7:00-9:30pm;
Thursdays 1:00-4:00pm; Saturdays 4:00-7:00pm. Drop in
and draw sessions with discounts of three free sessions for enrolling
in advance for a ‘semester’ of 10-12 sessions. Well-lit,
large and airy studio (16 foot ceilings with skylights) contains
easels, tables, chairs and sinks. Saturdays are devoted to longer
poses, with Tuesdays and Thursdays more traditional gesture-to-moderate
length. No instruction, though traditional classes are often offered.
See website for schedule and fees.
Vienna Art Center
115 Pleasant Street N.W.
Vienna, VA 22180
703-319-3971
Uninstructed
Figure Drawing Open Studio. Mondays 4:30pm-6:30pm. 18+ years of age, unless written permission to attend by legal guardian.
6 sessions for $50 (or $10 per walk-in).
Arlington Arts Center
3550 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201
education arlingtonartscenter.org
703-248-6800
Instructed
Classes include Contemporary Expressions in Figure Drawing.
Illustrators Club
Art Institute of Washington
Art Lab, Room 1104
1820 N. Fort Myer Drive
Arlington, VA 22209
"Go Figure!" Open Life Drawing Sessions. Wednesdays and
Thursdays, 6:00-9:00pm. Male and female art models. Short and long poses.
METRO Rosslyn (Blue & Orange Lines). Exit at rear of station
(up the steps). AIW is across the street. MEET IN THE LOBBY between
5:30 and 5:55pm to be escorted up to the 11th floor (elevator passkey
required). IC Members and regular attendees $8; non-members $10;
free for AIW students & faculty. For more information contact
Marie Dauenheimer 703-648-9038 or dauenheimer erols.com
The
Del Ray Artisans
2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
katherine katherinerand.com
703-836-1468
Uninstructed
Open life drawing, Selected Wednesdays. See website for schedule.
These open life drawing (or painting) sessions operate on a drop-in
basis so there is no need to register in advance. Grab your supplies
and join us at the gallery to work from our live art models. The fee
for each session is $8 for DRA members and $10 for non-members.
The
Art League School
105 North Union Street (Located in the Torpedo Factory Art Center)
Alexandria, VA 22314
school theartleague.org
703-683-2323
Instructed and Uninstructed
Instructed classes include Anatomical Drawing, Gesture, Classical Figure Drawing, Figure Drawing in Varied Media,
Figure Painting, Figure Sculpture, Figure Drawing Long Pose, The Portrait & Figure Explored.
Uninstructed: Open Life Drawing Sessions. This monitored open studio is for participants of all levels
who like to work from the model using their own media. Sessions require a set enrollment, thus registration is encouraged
over drop-in. Drop in is for enrolled students, Art League members, and Benefactors only.
Fredericksburg Figure Drawing
307 William Street (upstairs at Read All Over Books)
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Uninstructed
Drop in and draw every Monday 6:45-9:30pm in a relaxed, friendly
atmosphere. For unclothed sessions, 18+ years of age unless written
permission by legal guardian. Artists should arrive by 6:45, as
access will be blocked at 7:00 to protect our models. All skill
levels are welcomed. Art models of all genders, races, and body types.
The session starts with 5 3-minute poses, 2 5s, a 10, 2 15s, a 15-minute
break, and then 2 30-minute poses. Chairs will be provided. Bring
your own easel/support board and drawing supplies. No wet media,
cameras or cell phone use. Cost: $15.00 per person.
Visual
Arts Center of Richmond
1812 West Main Street
Richmond, VA 23220
aimeejoyaux visarts.org
804-353-0094
Instructed and Uninstructed
Open Figure Drawing, All Levels,No Instruction. Adult students may
come and draw or paint from an art model. No instruction. Bring all of
your own materials. Easels provided. $6.00 per session – pay in class.
Instructed classes include: Figure Drawing & Painting; Intro
to the Figure Workshop; Anatomy of the Head Workshop; and Drawing Hands and Feet.
Dr. Sketchy's Richmond
The Camel
1621 W. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23220
drsketchysrva gmail.com
Uninstructed
Cabaret life drawing, with babes, contests, and prizes held every
second Wednesday of the month . A different theme each month. This
is an affiliate of Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School, founded in New York City.
The Art Department: RVA POD
Rockettts Landing
4829 Old Main St
Richmond, VA 23231
Uninstructed
Figure drawing. Thursdays 7:00-9:00pm. $5.
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
2200 Parks Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-425-0000
Instructed
Classes include Drawing the Figure and Face. Working from a variety of live clothed and nude art models,
students of all levels will work in any 2-D medium as they explore the human figure and face, with
special attention to contour, gesture, anatomical structures, mass conceptions, planes, perspective
and proportion. Develop better understanding of line quality, tone and value. Learn how to capture a
likeness and employ creative expression. Basic drawing experience required.
Norfolk Drawing Group
350 W 21st Street
Norfolk, VA 23529
norfolkdrawing yahoo.com
Uninstructed
The Norfolk Drawing Group usually meets every Tuesday evening from 7:00-9:30pm. We start off with
1 minute and 5 minute poses and work our way up to 20 minute or 40 minute poses.
The first Tuesday of the month is Painting night we meet at 7:00-10:00pm and work on one 3 hour pose.
We welcome all artists and anyone interested in art modeling for the group. Age 18 and older.
Sessions cost $7, or $20 for four consecutive sessions. Students with proper ID can pay $3.
The Jacksonville Center for the Arts
220 Parkway Lane South, Suite 1
Floyd, VA 24091
info jacksonvillecenter.org
540-745-2784
Instructed
Live Model Figure Drawing. Practice drawing the human figure in this introductory class.
Using charcoal or pencil, students will learn techniques for capturing proportion, line and contour
while drawing from a live, nude model. Experienced students are also welcome. Minimum Age: 18.
This is an "OnDemand" class. Minimum enrollment: 3, Maximum enrollment: 10.
Academy of Fine Arts
600 Main Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
Classes AcademyFineArts.com 434-528-3256
Uninstructed
Firgure Drawing. Artists will work independently to draw or paint in a media of their choice from live models.
A monitor will be in charge of the sessions. Pre-registration is encouraged but not necessary.
Join anytime! $10 for 1 Session. $35 for 4 Sessions. $70 for 8 Session. See website for schedule.
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