Weekday Sketchers on the Q Train Thursday

Riding the new Q Line is a ride through a linear art gallery filled with amazing mosaics.   NYC MTA has commissioned some of the best contemporary artists (Chuck Close, Vik Muniz, Sarah Sze, Jean Shin) to create installations throughout the stations.  

Join us on Thursday as we take a ride through this subterranean museum.   We will meet on the Mezzanine level of the 96th St Station.  The mezzanine levels are large, warm and wide making it  comfortable for sketching. We will spend about one hour at each of the four stations from 96th St to 63rd St.  

For more information about the installation and the artists, click here: https://hyperallergic.com/348918/a-underground-tour-through-the-art-of-second-avenue-subway/

63rd St, Jean Shin artist

86th St, Chuck Close, artist

96th St, Sarah Sze 

72nd St, Vik Muniz

DATE: THURSDAY JANUARY 3, 2019

STARTING TIME: 10:00 AM

STARTING LOCATION: Mezzanine level of the 96th St Station. 

TRANSPORTATION: Q train to 96th St.

Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net.  Looking for us? Call/text Raylie at 201-978-6387.   

NOTE: There are clean toilet facilities at each station but no food service other than some drinks and snacks at the newsstands. Please bring a stool and lunch.  

It's Party Time!

​

NYC Urban Sketchers 

Holiday Party

Sunday January 6th is the date. 

​From 1 - 7:00 PM 

We're having the party at the same place as last year.

I can't think of anyone I'd rather be than my fellow sketchers to ​commemorate 2018 and​ to​ kick​-​off the new year.  We had such a blast last year, for our first party, that it seemed obvious to get together again.

For anyone who wasn't there last year you will be stunned by the views​ from our penthouse party spot.  You'll have the chance to sketch sweeping views of New York Harbor as well as the ever changing silhouette of the Wall Street area.

Food will be catered by a local Italian restaurant providing vegetarian and meat main dishes, pasta, salad, dessert, and soft drinks.  DESSERTS are needed. Please bring a dessert to share. You are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages to share.

What would a party be without gifts?  We're going to have two different gift exchanges. 

1)  Original Artwork:  If you'd like to participate ​bring a sketch that you feel proud about.  It needs to be matted and gift wrapped so no one can see the artwork.  By bringing artwork to give ​- ​you get to pick a wrapped package that will ​contain original artwork done by a fellow Urban Sketcher.

2)  The Gift Exchange:  Do you have unused art supplies you'd love to trade?  So does everyone.  You bring yours and we'll bring ours.  Gift wrap your offering and you get to pick a wrapped gift that will contain someone else supplies.​  ​

The exchanges are separate events, 

​... ​bring artwork and you get to pick artwork,

​... ​bring art supplies and you get to pick art supplies.  

Participation is optional

🎈 Click here to reserve your spot:  

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nyc-urban-sketchers-holiday-party-tickets-53884788854

Tickets to cover our expenses are $25.  Your purchase will be refundable up to 7 days before the event. If inclement weather tries to ruin our party, an alternate date will be set. 

We'll be sending details and direction to everyone who signs up.

NOTE:

We need volunteers for the setup, decorations, food stuff, and general helping out.  Respond directly to me if you're willing to help.

Mark Leibowitz

 mark.nyc.urbansketchers@gmail.com

SATURDAY: Sketch the GARDEN

For Saturday, December 29, 2018

A green oasis awaits us in Brooklyn.  There are acres and acres of beautifully sculpted gardens with an infinite variety of scenes to explore.  There is also an incredible conservatory that features a variety of plants in sculpted settings that mimic natural surroundings.  The conservatory includes a desert room, a tropical room and everything in between.  We will probably be indoors sketching the whole day, but if the weather permits there are gorgeous sights to sketch outside in the garden.

DETAILS:

WHAT:  We will be sketching indoors in the Conservatory at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

WHEN:   The gardens opens at 10:00 AM.  Sleeping late?  Come anyway - we'll be there, but you'll miss the astounding feeling of being nearly alone in one of the city's best gardens.

WHERE:  The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens has entrances located at 455 Flatbush Avenue and
990 Washington Avenue.  There are several subways nearby:

-  2/3 train to Eastern Parkway—Brooklyn Museum station (weekends: 4/5 replaces 2/3)
-  B/Q/S trains to Prospect Park station (weekends: B train does not run)
-  4/5 trains to Franklin Avenue station (weekends: use Eastern Parkway—Brooklyn Museum station)

HOW: 
Admission:
-   Adults $15
-   Seniors (65 and over) and Students  $8

Parking:  Attended parking (for a fee) is available at 900 Washington Avenue.  Maximum to closing = $19

LUNCH:  12:00 - Noon - The gardens has a nice cafe. The Coffee Bar is located in the Visitor Center adjacent to the Atrium.  They serve fresh pastries, soup, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.  Feel free to bring your own food and beverage.

AFTERNOON:  1:00 PM  Back to sketching.

SHOW and TELL:  3 PM   We will start walking to Tooker Alley - located one and half blocks away at 793 Washington Ave, Phone (347) 955-4743.  We will share drawings, good stories and a snack, beer or wine if you're so inclined.

Can't find us?  

Call Mark - 973-809-9128

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

No Weekend Sketch

No sketching event this weekend

We'll each have to find our own private excuse 

to grab a pen and a sketchpad 

and record the holiday season.

Let's compare notes the following week. 

Enjoy

Weekday Sketchers Schedule January/February

In an effort to help you plan your calendar for the coming months, here is the Weekday Sketchers schedule of events for January and February 2019.

Thursday, January 3,                            Subway Art Part I: New Q train stations

Wednesday January 9                           Criminal Courts

Thursday January 16                            Transit Museum   

Thursday January 24                            Subway Art Part II: Underground Art Exhibits

Tuesday January 29                              Art Deco at Rockefeller Center

Thursday February 7                             Eldridge Street Synagogue

Wednesday February 13                       The Cloisters

Wednesday February 20                       The Lighthouse Museum

Tuesday, February 26                           Juilliard Performance at Holy Trinity Church

Weekday Sketchers at Chaim Gross Foundation

NYC was the epicenter of the Modern Art Movement in America. How fortunate we are to have a living resource of the era remaining in the heart of Greenwich Village: The Chaim Gross Foundation. 

Chaim Gross was a mid-century modern sculpture and watercolorist.  His home and studio house his workshop with many of his works on display, his private apartment with his global art collection and an exhibit space.  We will be able to visit and work throughout the building.  While there take note of the collection of African artifacts and his personal collection from other artist of the period including Willem De Kooning, Milton Avery, Jacob Lawrence and Marsden Harley to name a few, that hang in his apartment and line the stairwell.

For more information about Chaim Gross and the Foundation, visit the web site: http://www.rcgrossfoundation.org

Studio and Workshop

Stairwell Display

Private Apartment

DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018

START TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION:  CHAIM GROSS FOUNDATION

                       526 LAGUARDIA PLACE

                        Note: there will be a $5 donation required

TRANSPORTATION: 6 Train to Bleecker St, A, B, C, D, E train to West 4th Street. 

Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net.  Looking for us? Call/Text Raylie at 201-978-6487.  Bring a stool.  Bring lunch or purchase it. We will break for lunch at a nearby location.  

SUNDAY: Sketch the RUBIN

SUNDAY:  December 16, 2018


The Rubin Museum of Art is a museum dedicated to the collection, display, and preservation of the art and cultures of the Himalayas, India and neighboring regions, with a permanent collection focused particularly on Tibetan art.

This surprisingly large beautifully designed museum is a real NYC treasure.  Each item on display tells a story, and was lovingly collected and beautifully displayed. The Rubin Museum reminds us that artistic expression is part of what it means to be a human, a message the resonates for Urban Sketchers.



DETAILS:


WHAT:  We will be sketching indoors at the Rubin Museum

WHEN:   The museum opens its doors at  11:00 AM.  Sleeping late?  Come anyway - we'll be there, but you'll miss the astounding feeling of being nearly alone in a wonderful museum.

WHERE:  The Rubin is located at 150 W 17th St, NYC.  There are loads of subways nearby: , -   A,
C, or E to 14th Street (at 8th Avenue)
-   1 to 18th Street (at 7th Avenue)
-   2, 3 to 14th Street (at 7th Avenue)
-   F, L, M to 14th Street (at 6th Avenue)
-   N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th Street-Union Square

How: 
Admission:
-   Adults $19
-   Seniors (65 and over), Visitors with Disabilities and Students (with valid identification)  $14

LUNCH:  12:30 PM - The museum has a really good cafe
AFTERNOON:  1:30 PM  Back to sketching.

SHOW and TELL:  3 PM   Location to be determined.  We will share drawings, good stories and a snack, beer or wine if you're so inclined.

Can't find us?  

Call Mark - 973-809-9128

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

Weekday Sketchers at American Folk Art Museum Tuesday

Please Note:  The Ford Foundation Atrium is still not open to the public but when it is open it will be on our schedule. 

The American Folk Art Museum across from Lincoln Center is featuring an exhibit a series of large scale architectural models of the Gold Coast castles and forts that served as way stations for more than six million Africans sold into slavery and sent to the Americas and Caribbean in from the 16th -19th century.  Titled "Gates of No Return" these pieces were commissioned and created by Paa Joe, African artist, mostly known for his inventive figurative coffins. 

Also on view are the paintings and carved figures of John Dunkley, noted Jamaican artist. 

Following our drawing session at the museum we will gather in the nearby David Rubinstein Atrium  for lunch and sketching. Bring lunch or purchase something at the restaurant in the atrium. 

American Folk Art Museum: Gates of No Return

David Rubinstein Atrium 

DATE: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2018

STARTING TIME: 11:30 AM (Museum opens at 11:30) 

Want to start earlier? Meet in Alice Tully Hall directly across the street to sketch the Atrium.

LOCATION: AMERICAN FOLK ART MUSEUM

                      2 LINCOLN SQUARE ( Columbus Ave btw 65th /66th Sts.)

TRANSPORTATION: 1 Train to 66th St Lincoln Center. 

Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net. Looking for us? Call/Text Raylie at 201-978-6387.

SATURDAY: Sketch the Frick

I'm always amazed to think that this museum was once a family's private home, complete with its world-class art collection.  Everywhere you look you're seeing a view filled with objects that were carefully selected and displayed.  The Frick Collection is one of NYC's best cold weather sketch spots.  Join us there for a day of sketching this coming Saturday.

DETAILS:

WHAT:  We will be sketching indoors at the Frick Collection

WHEN:   The museum opens it's doors at  10:00 AM.  Sleeping late?  Come anyway - we'll be there, but you'll miss the astounding feeling of being nearly alone in a great museum.

WHERE:  The Frick is located at 1 East 70th Street and Fifth Avenue.  The two closest subways are:

6 train to 68th Street,
Q train to 72nd Street

How: 
Admission:
-   Adults $22
-   Seniors (65 and over)  $17
-   Visitors with Disabilities $17
-   Students (with valid identification)  $12

LUNCH:  12:00 - Noon - The museum does not serve food and has no place to eat.  We'll make our individual food choices by going into Central Park to find vendors or walking to Madison Avenue of find stores.

AFTERNOON:  1:00 PM  Back to sketching.

SHOW and TELL:  3 PM   Location to be determined.  We will share drawings, good stories and a snack, beer or wine if you're so inclined.

NOTES:
-  Bring a stool if you have one, it gives you more options

Sketching in the Galleries
All visitors are permitted to sketch in the galleries on paper not to exceed 12 x 18 inches and with charcoal or lead pencils only. If individuals need to sharpen their pencils, they must use their own boxes to collect the shavings.

The use of pens, colored pencils, oil paints, easels, or watercolors is not allowed. Be careful to not interfere with the flow of visitors through the galleries.

Can't find us?  

Call Mark - 973-809-9128

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

))))

WEEKDAY SKETCHERS AT QUEENS MUSEUM

Join us this week as we travel to Queens and the Queens Museum on the site of the World's Fair.  Captures the indoor space in the atrium, the renowned Tiffany Glass Collection and the panorama model of every building in New York City.....this alone is worth the trip!  Or, look through the expansive glass walls for a view of the Unisphere, the iconic symbol of the 1963-64 Worlds Fair.

Lobby of Queens Museum

Unisphere from the Queens Museum

Panorama Model of NYC

Tiffany Collection

DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018

STARTING TIME: 11:00 AM

LOCATION: QUEENS MUSEUM

                        FLUSHING MEADOWS PARK, QUEEN

NOTE: There is an suggested entrance fee for this event: $4 for Seniors, $8 for "Juniors". 

DIRECTIONS: 7 train to Mets-Willis Point station.   There is a 15 minute walk from the station. You can use a ride share program for about $4-$6.  If you want to come by car there is plenty of free parking.  Please check the museum's web site for specific walking and driving directions: https://queensmuseum.org/directions

Walking Directions from #7 Train

Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net.  Looking for us? Call/text Raylie at 201-978-6387.   Bring a stool and lunch.  There is also a cafe with a limited menu on premises.  

Westchester Sketchers at The Westchester Mall: MONDAY December 3rd

Let's get a jump on the holiday season!

Join the Westchester Sketchers indoors at The Westchester Mall, Westchester County’s answer to Rodeo Drive.  With 150 upscale stores spanning three floors under a skylit roof, Santa, holiday decorations, sculptures, shoppers, and much more, you're sure to find something special to sketch. 

• 
  

Details:

WHAT:   Sketch indoors at The Westchester Mall.

WHEN:  Start time 10:30 AM Monday December 3rd.  

              Meet us at the Savor Food all located on Retail Level 4.

WHERE:  125 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601 Phone number (914)421-1333 

                 https://www.simon.com/mall/the-westchester

                    

TRANSPORTATION from NYC: Metro-North (Harlem Line) to White Plains.  

                                                   The Westchester is a short cab ride from the station.                

                   

LUNCH:  12:30 PM  Savor Food Hall. Lots of food choices - or bring your own.  

                We'll stake out a table for the group.

SHOW and TELL:  Following lunch - time to share drawings, good stories and thoughts.

NOTES:

-     Some seating is available, but bringing a stool gives you more options. 

If you can’t find us call

Marianne at 914-355-6507or Cathy at 914-625-0766

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

SATURDAY: Sketch the Season

"Tis the Season," 

Let's get into the mood. 

Nothing says Holiday Season in NY like Rockefeller Center.  They're lighting the tree tonight for the first time this year. I'm looking forward to sketching but the weather report suggest rain for Saturday, making Rockefeller Center an even better choice.  It can be reach via subway without walking in the weather.  There are a series of underground connections that can bring you from the subway stop to a view out the window at the skating rink.  That's where we'll meet.

Why is this a great spot for us to sketch?  Loads of people to draw, views of the famous Christmas tree if the rain cooperates, incredible murals by Diego Rivera, interesting architecture, indoor warmth, bathrooms and hot food. 


DETAILS:

WHAT:  We will be sketching indoors at Rockefeller Center.

WHEN:   Starting at 10:00 AM.  Sleeping late?  Come anyway - we'll be there.

WHERE:  We'll be meeting on the floor below street level - so, one flight down. There are several places where you can see the Roller Skating Rink. We'll be starting the day there, and will be returning to that area

LUNCH:  12:00 - Noon - We'll take a break to eat and talk.  There are loads of food choices there - or bring your own.  We'll stake out a table for the group.

AFTERNOON:  1:00 PM  Back to sketching.

SHOW and TELL:  3 PM   Back to the table area where we will share drawings, good stories and a snack, beer or wine if you're so inclined.


NOTES:
-  Bring a stool if you have one, it gives you more options
-  Take my phone number (below) and text of call if you can't find us

Can't find us?  

Call Mark - 973-809-9128

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

Weekday Sketchers at St. Bart's plus Concert

Join us as we listen to beautiful music in a resplendent setting.  

St. Bartholomew's Church on Park Avenue is one of NYC's treasures.  Golden mosaics designed by Hildreth Meir, stained glass, gothic architecture, and wonderful wood carvings fill this building and make excellent subjects for our sketchbooks. For more information about the building and the art works, click here for a visual tour. http://stbarts.org/about-us/art-architecture/  

We will start our sketching in the sanctuary in the morning and break for an early lunch so that we can return for the free concert at 1:15 performed by the Mid Manhattan Performing Arts Foundation. For information about the concerts, click here: http://mmpaf.org/events_midtown_concert_series_gemsny_2018_2019.htm

St. Bartholomew's Church

Main Sanctuary

Small Chappel

DATE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2018

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION: ST BARTHOLOMEW'S CHURCH

                         325 PARK AVENUE at 51st STREET

TRANSPORTATION: 6 TRAIN TO 51ST ST, E OR M TO 53RD/LEXINTON AVE.  

                                   Walk one block east to Park Avenue

Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net.  Looking for us? Call/text Raylie at 201-978-6387.  

Note: Please bring dry materials only. There is no food allowed in the building. We will break for lunch at noon and go to a nearby food hall. Bring lunch or purchase it or try Uncle Gussie's Food Truck right outside the building. 

No Weekend Sketch

No Sketch Event this Weekend

Wishing a happy healthy holiday 

to every single sketcher 

and to those they love.

Weekday Sketchers at Cast Hall

Join us this week as we visit another of New York's hidden treasures: the collection of sculptures and architectural elements at the Institute for Classical Architecture and Art n the Mechanics and Tradesmen's Building.

The ICAA has gathered a wide variety of casts from the Metropolitan and the Dick Reid Teaching Collection. For more information and to view some of the pieces in the collection, click here: https://www.classicist.org/resources/plaster-cast-collection.

The building itself is an additional treasure of architecture, sculptures and wrought iron work.  Home to  the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen and the second oldest library in the city. This private library is used by students in pursuit of studies in the building trades.   For more information, click here: https://generalsociety.org

But wait, there's more.  

The building also houses the Museum of Locks, with a collection of antique locks and key.  You may visit the collection with a suggested donation of $10. 

Bring along your sketchbooks, paints and something for lunch. No need for stools as there are plenty of tables and chairs for us to use.   

Cast Hall

Lock Museum

Lobby of Mechanic and Tradesmen Building

DATE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM 

LOCATION: INSTITUTE OF CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE AND ART

                      20 WEST 44TH STRE

Note:  Please go to the Cast Hall on the top floor of the building and not to the ICAA office on the 3rd floor. 

TRANSPORTATION: B, D, F, M to 42nd St/ Bryant Park or 7 train to Bryant Park/5th Ave

Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net.  Looking for us? Call/text Raylie at 201-978-6387