Community Sketchbook Invites Public to Leave Their Mark
see the Chippewa Valley through the POV of sketchers – including you!
Folks frequently note the Chippewa Valley’s appreciation for the arts as one of the reasons they enjoy living or visiting the area, and that goes much further than just the array of galleries host to professional works. In fact, a new project is based around the fact that it is not a place for “gallery-ready” work, but rather for sketches.
Urban Sketchers Chippewa Valley, a regional chapter of the global on-location sketchers community, launched its Community Travel Sketchbook on April 21 ahead of International Urban Sketchers Week (May 1-7). The sketchbook will travel throughout the Chippewa Valley for the public to use, some guidelines listed within it: On-location sketches only, from direct observation; Include the date and location of your sketch; Use up to one page per sketcher per day; No inappropriate drawings and writings, otherwise they will be removed; Only group administrators can relocate the sketchbook; and have fun!
The book – a mint green-colored hardcover with the Urban Sketchers Chippewa Valley logo on the cover – spent its first couple of weeks at SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Shop (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire). As of Wednesday, May 1, the public can find the sketchbook at the McIntyre Library at UW-Eau Claire on its first floor, at the main desk. Bring your own pen, pencil, or other favorite art tool, and put your own sketch of SHIFT into the community book!
The local Urban Sketchers group meets monthly at an agreed-upon location, indoors or out, to capture what they view, their drawings telling the story of a given moment. Some previous destinations have included Brent Douglas Flowers in downtown Eau Claire, Corral Bar & Riverside Grill in Durand, and the group’s recent participation in the Amazing Eau Claire Clean-Up. Keep up with them on Facebook to join the next group session and view others’ work.
Learn more about the global Urban Sketchers community on its official website. Keep up with the Chippewa Valley chapter on Facebook and Instagram, or contact the group at uskcv.wiusa@yahoo.com.
