PROGRAM CANCELED

WHAT A SHAME!

Our first New Jersey event is rained out!!! 

Our plan is to meet once a month for at leas the rest of this year. Please stay tuned for more events in the near future. We have lots of wonderful locations lined up.  See you soon!

New Jersey Sketchers at Branch Brook Park

Welcome NJ Sketchers to the Urban Sketchers Family!!

Join us on April 7, 2022 for our first New Jersey gathering in Branch Brook Park to sketch the cherry blossoms.  

Branch Brook Park meanders from the north end of Newark and up into Bellville.  Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, this park has the largest collection of cherry trees in the NY Metro area....and they are all in bloom, right now!  Join us as we sketch the scenes across the Branch Brook Lake with the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the background. Or meander along the park walkways and find the spot that rings true for you. 

We will meet at the south end of the park in the area called Prudential Grove on the west side of the lake. The area is called Prudential Grove. You can park along the shoulder of the internal Park Drive.  If you take public transit, get off the Light Rail at the Park Ave station. It is a short walk to the meeting location. 

DATE: THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2022

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION: BRANCH BROOK PARK

                       NEWARK NJ

                        Prudential Grove

TRANSPORTATION:  

• Driving: Access Park from RT 280.  Follow the park drive to the meeting spot.
• Public Transit:  Take PATH or NJ Transit to Newark Penn Station.  Transfer to the Newark Light Rail. Exit at the Park Ave Station. Walk into the park and follow the park drive to the gathering spot. 

NOTES

• Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at rayliedunkel1@gmail.com.
• Looking for us? Call or text Raylie at 201-273-0445 
• You can park on the shoulder along the park drive.
• There are no food outlets in the park so please bring food and water with you. 
• Bathrooms are available.
• Bring a stool.

.   

SUNDAY: Sketching Under the Palms or By the Boats

We will be sketching in-person this Sunday.  

We’ll be sketching at the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place, the building complex across the highway from the World Trade Center.  If it's raining which is possible, you can reach the area dry and happy walking through through the gorgeous concourse that brings you from the Fulton Street subway complex, under the World Trade Center,  through the Oculus and brings you riverside at the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place.

We'll meet on the ground floor in the large room by the windows. We'll be meeting in the palm tree area between the two escalators that take you to the food court and the bathroom.  

If the weather cooperates we’ll have gorgeous boats, the NYC skyline, the Hudson River and views of NJ for your sketching pleasure.  Indoors our outdoors - it should be a good day

DIRECTIONS: 

• Subway - 4,5,6/N,R to the new Fulton Center

• 1,2,3/A,C,E to Chambers Street

 -  Walk South, turn right [West] onto Vesey Street

-  Take escalators down to the new WTC West Concourse, which goes under West 

Street and leads up a massive set of escalators directly up to Brookfield Place

DETAILS:

WHEN:  We’ll meet at 10 AM - sketching until 3 PM on Sunday, April 3rd.  Sleeping late?  Come anyway - we'll be there.

WHERE:  At Brookfield Place - 230 Vesey Street.   Meet by the huge window facing the river on the ground floor. (see map)

HOW:  There are plenty of subway choices.  If you want to come by car there are loads of parking lots in the area.  It is also possible to find a free parking spot on the streets.

LUNCH:  12:30 PM  - Bring your own or purchase from the many vendors and stores in the complex.

AFTERNOON:  1:30 PM  Back to sketching

SHOW AND TELL:  3 PM  Meet by the window where we will share our sketches, tell stories, and probably talk about art supplies.

NOTE:

-  Bring a stool - it gives you more options

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

There are no fees.   All drawing skill levels are welcome.

THURSDAY: Westchester Sketchers ENCORE VISIT to Hudson River Museum

 

The Hudson River Museum is a preeminent cultural institution in Westchester County and the New York metropolitan area.  Situated on the banks of the Hudson River in Yonkers, New York, the HRM’s mission is to engage, inspire, and connect diverse communities through the power of the arts, sciences, and history.

Current exhibitions include:

The World of Frida celebrates the culture, style, and persona of visionary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo (1907–1954), who continues to inspire with her story of love, loss, and incredible bravery. Featuring works of art by more than seventy-five national and international artists practicing in a variety of media, the exhibition includes Frida Kahlo as subject as well as pieces inspired by her life and art, her beautiful garden, Mexican culture and fashion, vibrant colors, surrealism, and more.

Diego Rivera's masterwork “La ofrenda” is part of “Frida Kahlo in Context”

Frida Kahlo in Context:  The persona of Kahlo is inextricable from her beloved Mexico and her relationship with Rivera. Frida Kahlo in Context explores this milieu, showcasing legendary photographs of Kahlo as well as artwork related to her personal life and Mexico.

Optional: Gilded Age Glenview: Historic House Tour at 1 PM  

Travel back in time to the Gilded Age!  Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of historic Glenview’s six fully restored period rooms decorated for the holidays.  Advance tickets are strongly encouraged.


DETAILS: 

DATE: THURSDAY, March 31, 2022

LOCATION: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave. Yonkers, NY (914) 963-4550

DIRECTIONS: https://www.hrm.org/plan-your-visit/

From NYC: Take Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line local train to Glenwood Station.  Walk 1 block east on Glenwood Avenue, and then turn left onto Ravine Avenue.  At the end of Ravine Avenue, enter Trevor Park.  Follow path to the main entrance of the Museum.

START TIME: 12:00 PM (Opening time)

LUNCH: Since the Museum opens at Noon, we won’t have a scheduled time for lunch.  Please bring your own lunch/snack, or purchase something from the Museum Shop.

SHOW and TELL: 2:30 PM Location TBD.  This is the social portion of our day when we will share our drawings, techniques, and stories. It is a time not to be missed.

NOTES:

• VACCINATION Required for Entry: All visitors 5+ must show proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of visit.
• FACE MASKS are still required indoors.
• Admission: $8 for Adults, $5 for Seniors. Free for members. Tickets are available for purchase online or at (914) 963-4550 during business hours. Tickets are nonrefundable.  Reservations are accepted by credit card only.
• Tickets for Gilded Age Glenview tours and planetarium shows are an additional purchase and are not included in general admission.  Adults +$5 each; Seniors +$4 each.
• Stools will be available for our use.
•  DRY MATERIALS ONLY (in the Galleries). Wet materials may be used in the classroom.

Please RSVP to Cathy (cathygutterman@verizon.net).

Looking for us? Call/text: Cathy at (914) 625-0766  or Marianne at (914) 355-6507

There are no fees. All drawing skill levels are welcome. 

    

 Weekday Sketcher Schedule

 April & May 2022

Sakura Park with Riverside Church in the Background

In an effort to help you plan to attend the Weekday Sketchers meetings, here is a list of meeting for April and May 2022.  All regular sketch events will take place on Wednesdays.

April 6.                     Sakura Park  

April 13                    Roosevelt Island

April 20                    Noguchi Museum

April 27                    Park Ave "Zoo"

May 4                       Belvedere Castle

May 11                     St Mark's Church on the Bowery

May 18                     Chinatown: Doyers Alley Mott St Confucius Plaza  

May 25                     Gowanas Canal  

Park Avenue "Zoo" 

Save the Date

TWA Hotel JFK Airport

Special Trip to  TWA Hotel at JFK Airport Thursday April 21

SATURDAY - April 2nd - Centennial Farms and Ranches of the US

Come sketch with us inspired by the history of Centennial Farms & Ranches of the United States. A centennial farm or ranch is one that has been in commercial operation and remained in the same family for 100 years or more. So much to see! So much to sketch! There are loads of inspirations from which to choose - from vintage barns, farmer tools, milk cans, tractors, and wagons to historical landscapes. Sketchers will find many unique subjects to draw.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

 You need to register to participate.

• Click the link below:
• ​Sketch Centennial Farms and Ranches of the United States Tickets, Sat, Apr 2, 2022, at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

• This free virtual unguided sketching event will be this Saturday and starts at 10 AM EDT and ends at Noon EDT 
• Registration is available through Eventbrite.com until 10:00 AM EDT - Saturday.  
• As soon as you have registered, you will receive an email with the login info. 
• Also on Friday afternoon, if you are registered, you will receive the login info to participate.  
• Suggestion: Click the “Follow” button on the registration page so you won't miss any future announcements.  

There are no fees. All drawing skill levels are welcome.

Click the link below to find photo references for this event:

https://622e05aa220fa.site123.me/

What’s Coming Up Next:

April 9 – Charleston, South Carolina

April 16 – Sketchers' Holiday

April 23 – Celebrating Earth Day – Amazon Rainforest

NYC Urban Sketchers is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization (EIN 84-3937060). A tax deductible donation may be made by check and sent to NYC Urban Sketchers, P.O. Box 1083, James A. Farley Post Office, New York, NY 10116. 

NYC USK Launches a New Jersey Division

First there was the Weekend NYC Urban Sketchers, then there was the Weekday group, then the Westchester group, then the Virtual group…and now….there is the New Jersey Group!!

We are about to launch a sub chapter that will bring us to the wonderful places west of the Hudson River to sketch and sketch and sketch.  First we will be going to Branch Brook Park to see the cherry blossoms.  Future outings will be to the Montclair Art Museum, Ross Dock at Palisades Park, Liberty State Park, Newark Museum, Laurelwood Gardens, Princeton University and much, much more.  

Join us if you: 

• Have a car and live in New Jersey. 
• Don’t live in New Jersey and have a car. 
• Don’t have a car no matter where you live (public transit instructions will be included in each announcement!)

Branch Brook Park 

Our first event will be Branch Brook Park on April 7, 2022.  Watch for the announcement!

 

Weekday Sketchers at African Burial Grounds Museum 

Our scheduled activity for this week to see the "Treasures" exhibit at the NY Public Library has to be postponed since the exhibit is temporarily closed. 

The second choice for this week was to sketch the early blooming cherry trees. However, even though the calendar says spring the the weather is not conducive to outdoor sketching. 

The African Burial Grounds will offer us an opportunity to sketch a wonderful indoor tribute to the Africans who were enslaved in NYC in colonial times, while affording us a chance to sketch the outdoor memorial, should the weather cooperate.  An added bonus for afternoon sketching is to sketch the park on Foley Square with its beautiful cherry trees that are now in bloom. 

The African Burial grounds museum pays tribute the enslaved population in NYC and is the only known excavated burial ground in North America.   In colonial times this area was an important crossroad of life and economic activity in New Amsterdam and then New York . Join us for a deep dive into an important piece of NYC history.  

Cherry Blossoms in Lower Manhattan

Around the corner and adjacent to the United Sates Court of Federal Trade, is a wonderful pocket park on a small rise above the street.  It is planted with a small grove of cherry trees that are now in bloom. Should the weather cooperate, we can have lunch in the park and spend some time in the afternoon sketching the beautiful blossoms.

DATE:  WEDNESDAY MARCH 30, 2022

STARTING TIME: 10:30

LOCATION: AFRICAN BURIAL GROUD

                       290 BROADWAY

TRANSPORTATION: 1, 2, 3, A, C, J, Z, TO CHAMBERS ST. R, 4. 5. 6 TO CITY HALL

NOTES: 

• There is no entrance fee for the African Burial Ground
• Bring a stool
• Be prepared to work in dry materials
• A head lamp is a good idea as many of the exhibits are dark.
• Bring lunch or purchase it from a local vendor
• Please RSVP to Raylie Dunkel at Rayliedunkel1@gmail.com
• Looking for us? Call Raylie at 201-273-0445

In Case You Missed the Ukraine Sketch Event

 

We were inspired by the beauty and history of Ukraine

It was such a moving event that we decided to post the introduction 

- in case you missed it.

SATURDAY - March 26 - Ukraine

Come sketch with us inspired by the history and beauty of Ukraine.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• You need to register to participate.
  • Click the link below:
  • https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sketch-ukraine-tickets-291794945537?aff=erelpanelorg
  • The virtual unguided sketching event will be this Saturday and starts at 10 AM EDT and ends at Noon EDT
• Registration is available through Eventbrite.com10:00 AM EDT - Saturday.
• As soon as you have registered, you will receive an email with the login info.
• Also on Friday afternoon, if you are registered, you will receive the login info to participate.
• Suggestion: Click the “Follow” button on the registration page so you won't miss any future announcements. 

Kyiv, Ukraine overlooking Independence Square

There are no fees.  All drawing skill levels are welcome!

To find “Art Inspiration,” Click the link below:

https://6222cb46e663e.site123.me/

WHAT'S COMING UP NEXT:

April 2 - Centennial Farms

April 9 – Charleston, South Carolina

April 16 – Sketchers' Holiday

April 23 – Celebrating Earth Day – Amazon Rainforest

Kyiv, Ukraine

NYC Urban Sketchers is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization (EIN 84-3937060). A tax deductible donation may be made by check and sent to: NYC Urban Sketchers, P.O. Box 1083, James A. Farley Post Office, New York. NY 10116. 

Carpathian Mountains, Ukraine

WEDNESDAY: Westchester Sketchers at The Westchester Mall in White Plains, NY

Join the Westchester Sketchers indoors at The Westchester Mall, Westchester County’s answer to Rodeo Drive. With 140 upscale stores spanning three floors under a skylit roof, sculptures, shoppers, and much more, you're sure to find something special to sketch. And maybe do some shopping, too.

Details:

WHAT: Sketch indoors at The Westchester Mall.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 23rd

Start time: 10:30 AM Meet us at the Savor Food Hall located on Retail Level 4.

LOCATION: The Westchester, 125 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601
Phone number (914) 421-1333 https://www.simon.com/mall/the-westchester

DIRECTIONS:  https://www.mapquest.com/us/new-york/the-westchester-570821655

 The Westchester is located in White Plains at the corner of Bloomingdale Road and Westchester Avenue, exit 8 or 8W, right off of Route 287.

TRANSPORTATION from NYC: Metro-North (Harlem Line) to White Plains.
The Westchester is a short cab ride from the station.

LUNCH: 1:00 PM at the Savor Food Hall. Lots of food choices - or bring your own. We'll stake out a table for the group. Following lunch, we will have Show and Tell - time to share drawings, good stories and thoughts.

NOTES:
- The Mall opens at 11:00 AM but we will meet at the Food Court at 10:30 AM.
- The food court is located near the Nordstrom wing of the Mall.
- Self-parking costs $3 for up to three hours and $5 for up to five hours.
- Benches and chairs are available throughout the Mall.
- If you bring a stool, please be very careful not to block any doorways or the way of the shoppers.

Please RSVP to cathygutterman@verizon.net

If you can’t find us call:
Cathy at 914-625-0766 or Marianne at 914-355-6507

There are no fees. All drawing skill levels are welcome.

Weekday Sketchers at American Museum of Natural History 

Inside or Outside

It is that time of year when winter is leaving and spring is coming,  but winter just won't let up its hold on us.  One day warm the next a snowstorm.  It makes planning a bit difficult. We want to be outdoors to sketch but we need a place to get indoors if the weather gets bad.

Our schedule calls for us to go to the American Museum of Natural History and fortunately it offers us both options.  If it is nice, we will be outside.  If it is nasty we will go inside. OR you can choose either option regardless of the weather.  For those choosing inside, there is so much to do. For those choosing outside, the views of the Gothic  buildings or the glass cube of the Planetarium  with the gardens in front offer many opportunities for beautiful sketches. 

This is a bit confusing BUT we can do it!!  We will meet at the side entrance by the  Planetarium  on 81st Street at 10:30 AM.  We can then decide to go inside or out. We can decide to meet for lunch inside or out. The weather forecast is for rain with a high of about 60.  It can go either way.  (The forecast for Saturday was rain all day and it turned into a beautiful spring day.) 

DATE: WEDNESDAY MARCH 23, 2022

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION: AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. 

                       Central Park West and 81st Street

TRANSPORTATION:  B or C train to 81st St Museum of Natural History station. 

81st street entrance 

NOTES: 

• There is an entrance fee of $23 for adults and $18 for seniors,  but there is a pay-as-you-wish policy.  The American Alliance of Museum membership is accepted.  You can make a reservation of purchase it at the door.  If you have the AAM card you go to the membership desk to get your ticket.
• You will have to follow COVID protocols 
• Please RSVP to Raylie Dunkel at Rayliedunkel1@gmail.com
• We will meet at the entrance on 81st Street to determine if we are working indoors or out. We will wait there for about 10 minutes and then head out to sketch. If you arrive later, call or text Raylie Dunkel at 201-273-0445 to find the group.  
• We will break for lunch at 1:00 PM.  If you come after 10:30 call Raylie for information on where we will meet for lunch. 
• There is a cafeteria on site
• For indoor work bring a stool.  A headlamp is a good idea as many exhibits are in dark rooms
• You can work in watercolor if you are discrete.

SUNDAY 3/27: The Ninth Annual Portrait Party

 

There is no event like it.  

It's not really Urban Sketching ...

but it's a challenge that will tax your sketching skills

Planned for Sunday, March 27, 2022 - Start time 10 AM EDT

The Portrait Party is the sketching equivalent of running a marathon,  - it's exhilarating - it's exhausting.  It is hours of non-stop sketching.  Each portrait takes 10 minutes and there is practically no break in the action.

A lot has changed since the pandemic, and there are several adjustments we’ve made for this year's Portrait Party.

YOUR FACE

We will all take turns being the model so it is very important that your image on camera is clear and well lit.  Give this some thought and make whatever adjustments are needed so we can see your happy smiling face!  

YOUR MATERIALS

You will be using your own paper.  We suggest you work life size, meaning 9x12” or 11x14” paper held in portrait mode.  Try to use one sheet of paper for each portrait.   Include the model's name at the bottom.  Start thinking of a strategy to work quickly.  Color is wonderful and most people will be working in color.  Use any materials or medium you like.  Working digitally is also acceptable.

HOW IT WILL WORK

You will have 10 minutes to complete each portrait.  I know that sounds crazy but “necessity is the mother of invention,”  you will devise strategies and by the time you’re working on your last portrait of the day you will have developed your own creative solution - we promise!

     

You will randomly be assigned to a group.  There will be about 15 people in your group.  Everyone will get a turn to be the model. Each group will need someone to keep the time.   You can take turns.  Be sure to bring a clock or some way to keep the time.  Each person will get a chance to be the model.  You could take turns based on the alphabetical order for everyone’s first name.  It’s your choice - organize any way you like, but keep things moving.

     

 By 1:00 PM when we finish you'll have lots of completed portraits.

=========================================

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• You need to register here to participate  
• Click here:   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ninth-annual-portrait-party-with-nyc-urban-sketchers-tickets-298438576817
• The virtual sketching event will be on Sunday, March 28th and starts at 10 AM EDT
• Save your Registration Receipt:  The login information you will need on Sunday is written on your receipt
• Registration closes on Saturday, 3/27 at noon.
• Please login in ready to sketch about ten minutes before start time - 9:50 AM EDT

FRIDAY: Westchester Sketchers at Glen Island Park

 

This 105-acre island property is connected to New Rochelle by a drawbridge built in the 1920s. After Playland, Glen Island is the second most widely used park in the County Parks system. One of Westchester’s unique jewels, it was initially developed as a summer resort by John H. Starin. The original design exhibited the five cultures of the western world on individual islands linked together with piers and causeways. Today the islands have been merged with substantial fill areas totaling 130 acres and providing a beautiful crescent shaped beach with access to the Long Island Sound.

Cannons, sculptures and castles with coursed rubble stone, arched openings and round towers still remain from the days of John Starin’s resort. The castles, reminiscent of those in Germany's Rhineland, were constructed on their present site in the late 19th century for use as a beer garden and restaurant.

     

The bathhouse was originally built in a Neo-Georgian style with a cupola marking the center of the front façade. A courtyard looks out to the beach and is completed by a colonnade. The bridge, bridge house, seawall and castles are all eligible for listing on the Register of Historic Places.

DETAILS:
When: Friday, March 18, 2022

Location: Glen Island Park, Weyman Avenue, New Rochelle 10805 

https://parks.westchestergov.com/glen-island-park Phone: (914) 813-6720 or 6721

Time: 10:00 AM We'll meet in front of the castle located to the right as you enter the parking lot.

Directions: https://www.mapquest.com/us/new-york/glen-island-park-265288484

Transportation from NYC: Metro-North New Haven Line to New Rochelle Station.
The 9:07 AM off-peak train from Grand Central arrives in New Rochelle at 9:40 AM.
Please call Marianne (914-355-6507) to arrange for pick up and ride to Glen Island.

Lunch: Bring your own lunch/snack/water. We'll be picnicking together.
Show & Tell: After lunch we will share stories and sketches during the social part of our day.

Please RSVP to Cathy Gutterman cathygutterman@verizon.net
 
Looking for us? Call Cathy at 914-625-0766 or Marianne at 914-355-6507


NOTES:
- It can be breezy by the water - you may want to bring a light jacket.
- There are lots of picnic tables, but a stool can offer more options.

- It's before Memorial Day, so there should be no fee for parking or the need for a park pass. 

- Restrooms are located in the Office building located on the right as you enter the Park.

Weekday Sketcher at Fire Museum Wednesday

It is said that every kid wants to be a fireman...don't know I'm a girl and wanted to be a ballerina.  But that was then and this is now and girls can be fire-persons if they want to be.  All that said...join us this week for a trip back in time and a fun look at a serious subject. 

From their website: 

Our two exhibit floors trace the development of firefighting in New York from the early bucket brigades to the present day. Displayed are objects that document the history of the volunteer and paid departments, from painted leather buckets to early motorized apparatus. A separate memorial exhibit honors the 343 members of FDNY-EMS who made the Supreme Sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

DATE:  WEDNESDAY MARCH 16, 2022

LOCATION:  FIRE MUSEUM 

                        278 Spring Street btw. Varick and Hudson Streets

STARTING TIME:  10:30 AM

TRANSPORTATION: C OR E TRAIN TO SPRING STREET 

                                       Walk west 1 1/2 blocks to Museum

NOTES: 

• There is an admission charge of $10 for adults $8 for Seniors.  They accept various memberships as well 
• COVID protocols are inplace and you will have to wear a face mask
• Bring a stool and be prepared to work in dry materials if necessary
• We will break for lunch at 12:30 
• RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at Rayliedunkel1@gmail.com   Looking for us? Call or text Raylie at 201-273-0445
• For more information about the museum click here: https://www.nycfiremuseum.org/