THURSDAY, September 25, 2025: Westchester Sketchers at Greenwich Botanical Center, Cos Cob, CT

 

Get ready for an adventure in nature! 

Located in the 61-acre Montgomery Pinetum Park, Greenwich Botanical Center is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting horticulture, conservation, and the arts through educational programs and outreach activities. It's mission is to connect people with plants and nature through horticulture, botany, and conservation education.

DETAILS:

DATE: THURSDAY, September 25, 2025

START TIME: 10:00 AM

LOCATION: Greenwich Botanical Center, https://greenwichbotanicalcenter.org/

130 Bible Street, Cos Cob, CT

Phone: (203) 869-9242

DIRECTIONS: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/41.0812416,-73.7640448/Greenwich+Botanical+Center,+130+Bible+St,+Cos+Cob,+CT+06807    

LUNCH: Bring your own.  

SHOW AND TELL will follow lunch. It is a time for sharing and not to be missed.

NOTES:

• We will meet near the Center's Gift Shop. 
• Parking is available.
• Bring your stools.

Please RSVP to Cathy Gutterman at westchester@nycurbansketchers.org

Looking for us? 

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

There are no fees to attend. All art levels welcome.

Sunday September 21 Sketch The Brooklyn Museum

 

Please note, this is a Sunday event!

The Brooklyn Museum, located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. Established in 1895, it boasts an extensive collection of over 1.5 million works, ranging from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to contemporary art. The museum’s Beaux-Arts building, designed by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, is a landmark in its own right, reflecting the grandeur and ambition of its founders. 

Getting there:

By subway: During normal service, take the 2 or 3 to Eastern Parkway–Brooklyn Museum. Transfer to 2/3 from 4/5 at Nevins Street and B, D, Q, N, R, and LIRR at Atlantic Terminal–Barclays Center

By bus: The closest bus stops are B41 and B69 at Grand Army Plaza and B45 at St. Johns Place and Washington Avenue

Parking:

On-site parking is available in the lot behind the Museum, off Washington Avenue, via GGMC Parking. Street parking may be found along Eastern Parkway, Washington Avenue, and other side streets.

Lunch:

Bring your own or purchase food at the Museum Café; many options also along Washington Ave (a 5 minute walk)

Show and tell:

4pm at a spot TBD

Host:

Marvel Munoz  (848) 345-1969

Notes:

There is seating in the museum, but bringing a stool will give you more options to sketch comfortably

About NYC Urban Sketchers Events:

All are welcome–no fee, no registration. Just look for folks with sketchbooks at the meeting spot and say hello. If you have trouble finding us, contact the host; their contact info is in the NYC Urban Sketchers blog post for this event. in the NYC Urban Sketchers blog post for this event. #nycurbansketchers

SATURDAY, September 20, 2025: Westchester Sketchers at Herb Fair and Market at Caramoor in Katonah

 

The Westchester Sketchers have been invited by the New York Unit of he Herb Society of America to help celebrate their 74th Herb Fair & Market at Caramoor in Katonah.  This big annual event filled with wonderful activities and opportunities to celebrate herbs, nature, and community.  We can sketch the activities as well as the Caramoor grounds and architecture. You can find all the details here: https://www.herbsocietyny.org/herbfairandmarket

This one-day event will feature an extraordinary roster of makers and artisans as well as an extensive program of demonstrations, talks, and workshops from leading herb experts. We hope you will join us in celebrating 74 years of the Herb Fair’s legacy. 

Click here for more  details: https://caramoor.org/event/herb-fair-market/

DETAILS:

Where: Caramoor https://caramoor.org/visit/

149 Girdle Ridge Road in Katonah, NY 10536. Phone: 914-232-1252

When: SATURDAY,  September 20, 2025. The event starts at 10 AM and end at 4:00 PM. Rain date: Sunday September 21.

Directions: https://caramoor.org/visit/getting-to-caramoor/

Transportation from NYC: Take the Harlem Line of the Metro-North Railroad to Katonah Station. Caramoor is a 3.5-mile drive from the Katonah station. For current information, check the Metro-North schedule. 

Lunch: We will not have lunch together. There will some concessions, but it you may want to bring your own food. Show & Tell: Time and Location TBD. 

NOTES:
- Bring drinking water.
- There are lots of benches but bring a stool for more options.
- Dress for sunshine. Bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Restrooms are available.
- Parking is free.

Looking for us? Call: Cathy at (914) 625-0766 

Please R.S.V.P. to Cathy Gutterman westchester@nycurbansketchers.org

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

9/21 Sunday NJ Sketchers at South Mountain Reservation

 

Sketch the Fairy Trail

DATE: Sunday, September 21, 2025

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION:  

https://maps.app.goo.gl/NKFfnwHYHTVciJfn7

We will meet up at the Locust Trail Head, 197 Glen Avenue, Millburn, NJ 07041.

The parking lot fills quickly on weekends, but there are 2 other spots across the street, both free.  One is the train station, the other is Millburn Public Library.

Wear good sneakers or hiking boots.  The fairy houses are right at the beginning of the trail, so we don't have to do the entire half mile.  Bring a stool, or a hiking sit-upon, 

lunch, water..

 

https://essexcountyparks.org/parks/south-mountain-reservation 

RSVP to: Julia Bazaz 

jazaz7658@gmail.com

(551) 206-1273

instagram: @njurbansketchers

All welcome, no fees to attend

Forest Hills Gardens Sept 17, 2025

 

Program Canceled due to Rain

We will reschedule this location in October.  Watch for new dates. 

 Weekday Sketchers at Forest Hills Gardens 

Station Square

Is this NYC or Suburban London? 

When Forest Hills was being developed out of Dutch owned farms in Queens, the developers paid attention to every detail in order to attract people to buy homes in this remote outpost of the city. The idea was to create a suburban environment that modeled the English suburbs: winding streets, tutor houses, beautiful gardens....and...well no thatched roofs!  Starting at Station Square, where the Long Island RR could scoot people into midtown in minutes, to the mix of housing options, this area does not look anything like the rest of the city.  And so it remains today, a quirky oasis in the suburban sprawl of Queens. 

Join us as we capture the turrets, gardens, gates, homes and churches in our sketch books. 

We will meet at the train station and then walk through the village scouting out sketch locations. Please note this is a private community. We will be able to set up in the public green spaces within the village.  Please be respectful of the private properties. Bring a stool.   

Thanks to Diana Berchan for suggesting this location and guiding us through the village!

DATE: WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2025

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION:  FOREST HILLS GARDENS STATON SQUARE,     

                        Forest Hills Garden Queens NY  11375

TRANSPORTATION: E, F, M, R to Forest Hills/ 71st Ave 

                                        Long Island RR to Forest Hills

When you exit the station walk to Continental Ave and walk to Burns Ave to the meeting spot.

NOTES

• Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at President@NYCUrbansketchers.org
• Looking for us? Call or text Raylie at 201-273-0445
• Bathrooms and water are available near the station
• Food can be purchased at nearby vendors
• Bring a stool for best sight lines.
• If you are driving, DO NOT park inside the Forest Hills Gardens perimeters.  You will be booted and fined.

Saturday, Sept 13 South Street Seaport

 

New York City began in Lower Manhattan, where the water meets the land. At the South Street Seaport, you can still feel that history: Brooklyn across the river, the bridges to one side, the sweep of the harbor to the other. Families, visitors, ships, and waterfront scenes create endless sketching opportunities. 

Meeting Spot:

We’ll meet outside the Tin Building by Jean-George, 96 South Street. This upscale food market once served as the Fulton Fish Market and it’s now a culinary destination 

In Case of Rain:

We’ll meet at Pier 17, located at 89 South Street

Food/Facilities:

Inside the Tin Building, there are lots of food options—and restrooms

Getting Here:

By subway: Take the A, C, 2, 3, J, Z, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street. 

By bus: Take the M-15 SBS or M-15 to Fulton Street

By water: The NYC Ferry and the  New York Waterway provide service to Pier 11

About NYC Urban Sketchers Events:

All are welcome–no fee, no registration. Just look for folks with sketchbooks at the meeting spot and say hello. If you have trouble finding us, contact the host; their contact info is in the NYC Urban Sketchers blog post for this event. #nycurbansketchers

Host: Yuening Jiang-(646) 244-2733‬

Save-the-Date NJ upcoming events

Save the Dates for Our September/October Events

Follow us on Instagram: @NJurbansketchers

More info for each event will be emailed and on instagram
Questions? Email margaret.casagrande@gmail.com

All skill levels welcome. Events are free.

Urban Sketch Like An Architect with Charles Cannizzaro - Westchester County

   

Drawing in a studio is very different from drawing on location. The Instructor will teach how to boil down studio knowledge into basic principles, techniques, rules of thumb, and tips & tricks, which can be applied to work in real world situations. Learn from an architect with over 25 years of experience.

When: Monday, October 6, 2025 -  from 11am to 2pm

Where: New Dawn Foundation,

               590 Davenport Avenue, 

               New Rochelle, NY 10805

For More Information and Tickets: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1487273528159?aff=oddtdtcreator

Weekday Sketchers Brooklyn Bridge Park Sept 10

PROGRAM CANCELED DUE TO RAIN!

 Weekday Sketchers at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Pier 1 Bridge Street Lawn

Once working docks which were abandoned for years, this area became a concrete wasteland. But incredible vision, hard work and dedication has turned this forgotten waterfront into an amazing ecosystem, recreation park, beach and foodie destination.  Join us as we explore the many, many facets of this urban oasis nestled between the two most icon bridges in the city. 

On this visit, let's try to visit two areas of the park we usually don't go to: Pier 1 Wetlands and the John Street Entrance.   We we meet at the entrance to the Park on Fulton Landing and move south to the Pier 1 section of the park to explore the wetlands and the Bridge View Lawn.  After lunch we can move to the north end and take in the view from the north side of the Manhattan Bridge.  Sketch one or the other, or both!  No matter what you will have beautiful sketches to take home. (See map below)

For information about the park, maps, etc.  click here: https://brooklynbridgepark.org

DATE:     WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2025

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION: BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK

                        We will meet at the entrance to the park on Fulton Landing.

TRANSPORTATION:  A or C train to High Street. Walk down the street towards the water to Fulton Landing.  Or the F train to York Street  Or the East River Ferry to DUMBO/Fulton Ferry

NOTES

• Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at President@NYCurbansketchers.org
• Looking for us? Call or text Raylie at 201-273-0445
• Bring a stool for best sight lines, but there are plenty of benches available
• Water and bathrooms are available.
• Food service is available in the park and surrounding area, or bring your own.

John Street Lawn

MONDAY, September 8, 2025: Westchester Sketchers at the New Dawn Foundation, New Rochelle

 

"The New Dawn Foundation is a hidden gem so close to New York City, yet so calm and serene with old-world elegance that is hard to find." -- Anonymous Guest

The New Dawn Foundation is located in “The White House,” which is also known as The Oaks. It was built in 1900 and served as a school for girls before being privately purchased in 1919 by Charles and Magdalene Klingenstein. The Klingensteins often invited nurses and nursing students from Mount Sinai to come to The Oaks for rest and relaxation.  In 2008 the property was donated to the New Dawn Foundation. 

The historic estate house is located on the exclusive waterfront peninsula of Davenport Neck in New Rochelle, NY.  Today this beautiful haven in Westchester overlooking the Long Island Sound offers the space for healing, growth, and general respite from the pressures and challenges of everyday life.  

DETAILS:

When: Monday, September 8, 2025

Location: The New Dawn Foundation

590 Davenport Avenue, New Rochelle 10805 

http://www.thenewdawnfoundation.org.

Phone: (914) 632-8084

Time: 10:00 AM 

Directions by Car: 

http://www.thenewdawnfoundation.org/directions.html

NOTE: The New Dawn Foundation is easy to get to but you could pass it by as the entrance is small. Most directions will tell you to go to Pelham Road.  If you come to Pelham Road from North Ave., make a right onto Pelham Road, then make a left at Church Street (Trinity Elementary School is on the corner).  Drive down to light and make a right onto Davenport Ave.  Take this road down past the beach and catering halls.  After the Greentree Club, you will see a VERY SMALL entrance on the left.  (There is a boat yard on the right).  It will say New Dawn Foundation and also "The Oaks" which was the former name of the estate.  Drive slowly down the very curved and narrow road.  There will be a fork.  Go to the left where there is a small white mansion.  Marianne and Cathy will be there to guide your parking.

If you are coming from Weyman Ave., make a left onto Pelham Road and take a right on Church Street by the elementary school and follow the above directions.

Transportation from NYC: Take the Metro-North New Haven Line to the New Rochelle Station.  The 9:08 AM off-peak train from Grand Central arrives in New Rochelle at 9:41 AM.  Call Marianne (914-355-6507) to arrange for pick-up and ride to the Foundation.

Lunch: Bring your own lunch/snack/water.  We'll be lunching together.

Show & Tell: After lunch, we'll share stories and sketches during this social part of our day.

Please RSVP to Cathy Gutterman at westchester@nycurbansketchers.org
 
Looking for us? Call Cathy at 914-625-0766 or Marianne at 914-355-6507


NOTES:

• Be prepared for sunny weather.  Bring a hat, water, and sunscreen.
• Bring your stool.
• Restrooms are available in the mansion.

Saturday Sept 6 Sketch

 

Whether you choose to sketch the historic statues, the characters strolling in the park, or one of the oldest and most famous farmers’ markets in NYC, Union Square is an undeniable iconic city hub. (If it rains, we’ll sketch from the 2nd floor of Whole Foods across the street; it has a great view of the park from above.)

Time: 

11am-2:30pm

Food/Facilities: 

Whole Foods has, of course, plenty of food options. (And restrooms.) Or, enjoy the bounty from the Farmers Market.

Show and Tell:

Location to be determined.

About NYC Urban Sketchers Events:

All are welcome–no fee, no registration. Just look for folks with sketchbooks at the meeting spot and say hello! If you have trouble finding us, contact the host; their contact info is in the NYC Urban Sketchers blog post for this event. #nycurbansketchers

Co-hosts: Rene Barkett (917) 699-2751‬ and Donna Lewis (646) 942-0108‬

Urban Sketch Like an Architect with Charles Cannizzaro - Afternoon Session

The Morning Session of "Urban Sketch Like An Architect" SOLD OUT! 

An Afternoon Session has been added to teach these valuable urban sketching skills.  

Have you ever wondered how the principles and techniques an architect uses in the studio can be applied to plein aire sketching? This is the workshop for you. Learn how to boil down the knowledge of an architecture studio into basics needed for sketching and painting on location. And enjoy the experience of learning from an architect with over 25 years of experience.

Where: Chelsea Triangle, 9th Avenue and 14th Street, New York, NY 10014

When: Saturday, September 20th, 2pm - 5pm

Click Here For more information and tickets, 

                                                           Charles Cannizzaro

THURSDAY, September 4, 2025: Westchester Sketchers at Lasdon Park, Katonah

 

Lasdon Park, Arboretum, and Veterans Memorial is a magnificent 234-acre property consisting of woodlands, open grass meadows, and formal gardens.  During this season, there is so much to inspire your sketches, including the beautiful colors of the many flowers, shrubs, and historic trees which adorn the property.

The Westchester County Veterans Museum is excited to announce the debut of a new exhibit for 2025, “The American Civil War: A War of Firsts.” This exhibit will explore the significant innovations in warfare, medicine, weaponry, transportation, and other vital advancements that emerged during the Civil War, highlighting how these developments shaped the future of armed conflict and medical practices.

The Veterans Memorial is a pathway, known as The Trail of Honor, and is dedicated to the veterans of Westchester County, from The American Revolution to Desert Storm.  On this trail, you will walk among the natural surroundings and wildlife featured in Lasdon Park as you journey through our nation’s past.

The Fairy Hollow Trail is a one quarter mile woodland path that transports visitors on a magical journey in search of fairies and fairy homes. The trail is free for visitors to enjoy.  Dotting the pathways children young and old will enjoy more than 50 handmade houses and accessories that have been created with recycled and natural materials.

 

DETAILS:

WHERE: Lasdon Park, Aboretum, and Veterans Memorial https://www.lasdonpark.org/
2610 Amawalk Road (Route 35) Katonah, NY 10536 Phone: 914-864-7270.

WHEN: THURSDAY,  September 4, 2025. 

START TIME: 10:00 AM. Meet on the patio courtyard near the restrooms.  The park is open from 8 am to 4 pm, so you can come anytime during those hours.

DIRECTIONS: https://www.lasdonpark.org/directions/

Transportation from NYC: Metro-North Harlem Line to Southeast - get off at the Katonah Station.

The 8:43 AM peak train from Grand Central arrives in Katonah at 9:51 AM.

Please call Marianne to arrange for pick up and ride to the garden.

LUNCH: 12:30 PM Bring your own. Meet on the patio Conservatory Plaza near the gift shop.  

SHOW and TELL: Following lunch, we'll share stories and sketches during the social part of our day.

NOTES:
- The park has free admission, free parking, and restrooms. 

- Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.

- Bring a stool for more options.

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

Please R.S.V.P. to Cathy Gutterman westchester@nycurbansketchers.org

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

Wednesday September 3 Snug Harbor

Weekday Sketchers at Snug Harbor and

Chinese Scholars Garden Wednesday

Can you get to China by Ferry?

Yes you can...at least to a garden that will "transport" you there!

Fabricated in Suzhou, China and brought to Staten Island, this oasis is based on Ming Dynasty gardens dating from 1369 - 1644, and features magnificent rocks resembling mountains, Koi ponds, waterfalls, a bamboo forest, a moon gate and eight pavilions.  You will leave feeling that more than one trip is needed to capture the beauty and intricacy of this lovely garden. 

For more information about the garden, click here: https://snug-harbor.org/botanical-garden/new-york-chinese-scholars-garden/

For information about Snug Harbor which offers many other drawing possibilities, click here: https://snug-harbor.org/

DATE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2025

STARTING TIME: 9:45 at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal (See note below for more information)

LOCATION: CHINESE SCHOLARS GARDEN, SNUG HARBOR 

                   1000 RICHMOND TERRACE, STATEN ISLAND , NY

TRANSPORTATION:  Staten Island Ferry to Staten Island then take the S40 bus to Snug Harbor.

NOTES

• Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at President@NYCUrbansketchers.org
• Looking for us? Call or text Raylie at 201-273-0445 
• We will meet at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan at 9:45 to take the 10:00 Ferry to Staten Island.  We will then take the S40 bus to Snug Harbor ( a 10 minute ride). If you want to come later, just follow these directions and meet us there. 
• NOTE:  Snug Harbor is open from 6 Am but the Chinses Scholars Garden is open from noon to 5 PM. We will be arriving in plenty of time to get tickets and walk through Snug Harbor, have lunch and be at the Garden when it opens.  Entrance to Snug Harbor is free but there is a $5 entrance ($4. for Seniors) to the garden. Limited food service s available at Snug Harbor or bring your own lunch.