The Chinatown Sketch Tour May 10, 2014

Looking South on Mott Street

New York’s Chinatown is home to what’s thought to be the largest population of Chinese people in the Western Hemisphere.  Bordered on the north by Little Italy and on the East by the Lower East Side it is home to almost 100,000 people.  It is actually one of eight Chinese neighborhoods in the five boroughs home to nearly three quarters of a million people.  Originally founded in the 1840’s Chinatown is also one of the oldest ethnic Chinese neighborhoods outside China.

Our sketching will begin at the corners of Canal and Mott streets.  The entire day will be spent walking two long blocks on Mott Street until we finish at Kimlau Square.  Named for the Second Lieutenant Benjamin Ralph Kimlau. He graduated from Dewitt Clinton High School in 1937 then attended the US Army War College. Lt Kimlau died for his country flying bomber missions in World War II.  The area is also known as Confucius Square. The staute of the philosopher was presented by the community to the City of New York for the bicentennial in 1976.   Inscribed on the front of the statue is a passage from Confucius’ writings regarding the Great Harmony (Ta Tung) which promotes peace in the world, social order, and natural accord (and beautiful sketches we hope).

Sites on Mott Street will include:

• 42 Mott St - Ming Fay Bookstore
• 38 Mott St - The New Age Designer - Chinese style dress
• 36 Mott St - The Pearl of the Orient Gallery
• 32 Mott St - The Mott Street General Store
• 25 Mott St - The Church of the Configuration (built 1801.  Originally built as an English Lutheran Church it changed nationalities as the community changed becoming a Catholic Church serving the Irish community then the Italian.  Service are currently offered in Cantonese and Mandarin)

You get the idea.  The two block walk is densely packed with wonderful scenes and sites.  The streets are narrow and busy.  It should be a wonderful day of sketching

Kimlau Square

DETAILS:

• We will meet at the corner of Mott and Canal St at 10 AM.  We will walk south.
• Meet at the corner of Mott and Bayard St at 11:15 AM.  Continue walking south
• Meet at the Church of the Configuration at 12:15.
• Lunch at 12:30
• 2:00 continue walk from the Church to Kimlua Square (Confucius Sq)
• 3:30 - wrap up in the square, picture throw-down, and photos
• NOTE:  The forecast says 75 degrees with a chance of rain.  Let's hope for good weather An email will be sent if we need a Rain-Day alternate plan

Sketch with us all day or select the portion you want.  

If you can’t find us

call Mark at 973-809-9128

(But only if necessary as I will be busy drawing too.

Thank you for understanding)

There are no fees or attendance taken. All drawing skill levels are welcome.