CREATIVE CONNECTIONS IN DALLAS

The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of Urban Sketchers held a reception on 10 December to celebrate the opening of the chapter’s first-ever group show, “Showing the World One Sketch at a Time.” The show, organized by chapter admin Sudeep Kumar, features 43 original, framed sketches by 27 chapter members and was displayed at the Irving Arts Center in Irving, Texas from November to February.

Each chapter member could submit up to two framed, original sketches (no copies or prints unless originally created on a tablet) that met USk guidelines. Member’s were given the option of pricing and selling their work or having it for display only. Once the art was turned in, The Irving Arts Center took over, hanging the show and handling all publicity.

Kumar had an existing contact with The Irving Arts Center and had discussions with them regarding the possibility of having a group show. He received word in September that USk Dallas/Ft. Worth had been granted a show opening in November, leaving roughly six weeks of preparation time as the art had to be turned in a couple of weeks before the opening. Since original sketches were required, and most members work out of sketch books, more time would have been helpful in creating on-location work on individual watercolor sheets.

Jim Richards, who introduced Urban Sketchers to Texas in 2013 and founded the Dallas/Fort Worth chapter, flew in for the reception with his wife Patti. Kumar presented them both with flowers and thanked them for their guidance, friendship and support over the past nine years. A slideshow featuring photos from the chapter’s nineyear history, including some from the group’s first sketch outing, was also part of the reception.

Photographs: Sudeep Kumar and Stephen Reed.

E: stephenmreed@tx.rr.com

Celebrating 10 Years Of Usk Toronto

BY MARA GULENS

What started as a group of six sketching friends in 2013, is now a Chapter with more than 1,800 members. Urban Sketchers Toronto (USk Toronto) kicked off its 10th anniversary with an exhibition at At Origin Coffee, showcasing 47 sketches by 24 artists.

As part of the 10-year celebration, there will be a special meetup every month that features a 20-30 minute demo by one of the members. The Demo Meetups will take place in different historic and iconic locations around Toronto. We are planning a commemorative meetup at the Fox & Firkin, the pub where Marie-

USk Toronto will also host a 10x10 sketching event on the weekend of 15-16 July. Ten workshops will take place simultaneously at the historic St. Lawrence neighbourhood of Old Town Toronto. It will be a two-day event full of sketching, learning, prizes and surprises – and a great opportunity to meet other sketchers in the community.

Local artists Andrey Shmatnik, Barbara Eguchi, Isabel Santos, Kyra Crilly, Marek Badzynski, and Suzanne

Aboushakra are leading workshops on pen and watercolour. Hasibush Shaheed will teach a class with markers, Karlene Bland with acrylics, and Yasir Hameed with soft pastels. Mary Jo Ernst, a visiting artist from the USA, will teach her technique using water-soluble inks.