Weekday Sketchers Schedule: September & October

In an effort to help you plan to attend the Weekday Urban Sketchers events, here is the schedule for September and October.

Wednesday, September 5th             Central Park Model Sailboat Pond

Thursday, September 13th              Jersey City Murals on Newark Ave

Tuesday, September 18th                Fort Greene Park

Wednesday, September 26th,          Highbridge Park

Thursday, October 4th,                   Bryant Park

Wednesday, October 10th,              Bronx Zoo

Tuesday, October 16th,                   Brooklyn Navy Yard

Wednesday, October 24th,              Chinese Scholar's House, Snug Harbor, Staten Island

Tuesday, October 30th,                  Greenwood Cemetery

                                 

LABOR DAY WEEKEND - No Sketch Event

NO SKETCH EVENT this WEEKEND

I hope you have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.  Time to kick back and relax.  

Please feel free to share your Holiday Weekend sketches.

Weekday  Sketchers at the Bloody Angle

Doyers Alley, a small street in Chinatown, also known as the Bloody Angle (because when the gangs ran rampant in NYC bodies were routinely dropped there after clashes) has been turned into a work of art for the next few months. Chen Dongfen, a Chinese artist, has painted a mural the whole length of the street and the city has turned it into a pedestrian mall for the next few months. The mural is called the Song of Dragon and Flowers and is a portrait of Doyers Alley past and present.  

Use this link to find our more about the artist and the project: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/27/nyregion/doyers-street-chinatown-mural-chen-dongfan.html?action=click&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=Article&region=Footer&contentCollection=New%20York

Bring a stool and lots of colorful paint, pencils and crayons to capture this truly Urban Sketching event.  Bring lunch or enjoy something from the multitude of restaurants lining the street.

Following lunch we will move to Confucius Plaza to capture the iconic statue of ....guess who?

DATE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION: DOYERS ALLEY BETWEEN PELL ST AND THE BOWERY

TRANSPORTATION: 6, J, Z (OR ANY SUBWAY) TO CANAL ST.  

Walk east on Canal St to Mott. Turn south (right) on Mott and walk two blocks to Pell, turn left and walk 1/2 block to Doyers Alley.

Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net (do not hit reply all to this message).  Looking for us? Call Raylie at 201-978-6387

SUNDAY: Sketch Picasso in the Village

Father Demo Square 

Yes, sketching Picasso actually means sketching a huge Picasso sculpture, ... and if you've never seen it, you'll be amazed.    We'll be sketching in Greenwich Village, starting the day at a cute park you've probably seen.  We'll meet at Father Demo Square which is in front of Our Lady of Pompeii church on Carmine Street.  (see map)

We're going to end up sketching the Picasso sculpture tucked in at LaGuardia Place.  Along the way we'll sketch the sites of the village.


DETAILS

WHAT:  Sketching in Greenwich Village

WHEN:  10:00 AM - Sunday, August 26, 2018.  (If you're arriving late - take my phone number.)

WHERE: Meet at Father Demo Square  6th Avenue bet. Carmine and Bleecker Streets.

HOW:   Trains: A,B,D,C,E to West 4th Street Station

LUNCH:  12:00 Noon - Bring your own or buy from the many vendors and stores in the area.  We'll be eating together in Washington Park (3 blocks away).

AFTERNOON:  1:15  Walking MacDougal to Bleeker to Laguardia to visit the statue.

SHOW and TELL:  3 PM - At Blue Haven, 108 W Houston St b/t Thompson St & Sullivan St
Phone number (212) 505-3400, where we will share drawings, good stories a snack or beer or wine if you're so inclined.

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

Click to Enlarge

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

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

Weekday Sketchers at Domino Park

Another wonderful things about NYC:  there is always something new to discover. 

Come along this week and do that in one of the newest parks in the city: Domino Park.  Located on the East River and accessible by ferry, it is built on an old industrial site (can you guess what used to be there?) with remnants of the factories made into sculptural elements in the landscape.  

Use this link to the web site for information and pictures of the park, the history of the factory that once was and transportation to the park:  https://www.dominopark.com   One of the architects worked on the Highline giving everyone great expectations of what the park will become.  Let's go before it is "discovered". 

Bring a stool, lunch, a hat and sunscreen. Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net. Looking for us? Call/text Raylie at 201-978-6387.

DATE: WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22, 2018

LOCATION: 300 KENT AVENUE, BROOKLYN 

START TIME: 10:30

TRANSPORTATION:  MJZ to Marcy Ave or L to Bedford Ave.  NYC Ferries to either North or South Williamsburg stop. 

NOTE ABOUT TRANSPORTATION:  The website has information on reaching the park by subway, car or ferry.  If you would like to go as a group, please meet at Pier 11 near Wall Street  in Manhattan to take the ferry to the North Williamsburg stop. Ferries run every half  hour at 21 and 51 minutes after the hour.  Please meet in time to take the 9:51 ferry that will leave us at the South Williamsburg stop at 10:11.   The walk from the ferry should put us in the park by 10:30.  If you can't make that ferry or want to take the subway or car, please meet us in the park anytime after 10:30 AM.

SATURDAY: Sketch Governors Island

A boat ride across New York Harbor with views people travel thousands of miles to see, 

fresh air and a small island filled with surprises. 

Governors Island, a 172 acre island in the heart of New York Harbor, 

is only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan, and even closer to Brooklyn.  

It feels like an adventure getting there and the island itself is filled with sketchable sites and views

For anyone interested in learning more about Governors Island check out this beautiful online brochure:  https://govisland.com/history

We're going to focus on two parts of this interesting island.  We'll be sketching the harbor views and the area around Colonel's Row.  In addition to the natural scenic atrractions of both areas there are also some interesting sketchable events taking place:


RITE OF SUMMER: Collaborative Arts Ensemble
Rite of Summer
Now in its eighth season on Governors Island, Rite of Summer is a classical contemporary music festival that takes place over four weekends during the summer months. The festival features many of NYC’s most engaging and innovative artists & ensembles. The Rite of Summer “concert hall” is Colonels Row, a short walk from both the Manhattan & Brooklyn ferries.

SUMMERTIME SKATING AT MEL'S RINK
Ice skate in the summer sunshine! Mel’s Rink Governors Island will give New Yorkers the rare opportunity to skate during the summer months and is the first outdoor skating opportunity on
Governors Island.  Mel’s Rink utilizes state-of-the art synthetic technology to provide skaters with an “ice like” feel unmatched in the industry. The synthetic ice is high density plastic polymer that mimics the properties of real ice, designed for use with traditional ice skates with sharp metal blades.

(See Island Map below)

DETAILS

When:   This Saturday August 19, 2018.  I'll be waiting on line to take the 10 AM Free Ferry.  There are two more free trips, at 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.  After that round trip tickets cost $3.  If you come later bring my phone number - text or call to find out where we are.

Where:  The Governors Island Ferry runs from Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building (10 South St.)

From Brooklyn 
The Governors Island Ferry makes weekend trips from Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6

From Queens:
The East River Route stops at Hunter's Point South in Long Island City, two stops from Governors Island. The ferry runs every 45 minutes, with the first Governors Island-bound ferry leaving Queens at 11:20 a.m., and the last Queens-bound ferry leaving Governors Island at 6:50 p.m.

The Astoria route stops at Long Island City's Gantry Plaza and Astoria, which you can take to Pier 11. There, catch either the East River or South Brooklyn ferries to Governors Island — note that each leg of the trip will cost $2.75.

Lunch:   12:00 PM - Noon.  Meeting place will be established when we arrive.  Bring your own food or rely on the island vendors (there are several and there are always lines)

Afternoon:   1:15 PM - Back Sketching

Show and Tell:  3:00 PM  Meet at the established meeting spot where we will share stories show our drawings and probably talk about art supplies.


NOTE:
_     Be prepared for rain, the forecast says no, ... but it's been crazy
-     Bring a stool if you have one, it gives you more options. 

Click to Enlarge

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

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

WEEKDAY SKETCHERS AT CHRISTOPHER ST PIER THURSDAY

Christopher Street Pier is a wonderful reincarnation of one of the old Hudson River piers.  Jutting into the river with terraces, a lawn, a bandshell and trees, Urban Sketchers can choose their views: across the Hudson to New Jersey and the Lackawanna Terminal in Hoboken, across West Street with views of the Empire State Building peeking out between new glass high rises or people and pets enjoying themselves on the pier amid the trees.  Join us for a day at the city's edge with your sketchbook to enjoy the breezes, the boats and the setting.

Plenty of places perch so leave your stool at home.  Bring lunch (or buy it at the snack bar), a hat and sunscreen. Please RSVP DIRECTLY to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net.  Please do not hit "respond" to the email!

Marianne Milzoff will be the on site host for the day.  

DATE: THURSDAY AUGUST 16, 2018

START TIME: 10:30 AM Come when you can, stay as long a you are able.

LOCATION:  CHRISTOPHER STREET PIER

TRANSPORTATION: 1 Train to Christopher Street.  

SUNDAY: Sketch the Greenest Block in Brooklyn

Let's sketch the greenest block in Brooklyn!

Where would you go if you wanted to find the greenest block in Brooklyn? Every year the Brooklyn Botanic Garden sets out to settle that question with its "Greenest Block in Brooklyn" competition.


On Sunday we'll be sketching on Lefferts Avenue between Bedford and Rogers Avenue.  This block was selected among 160 different entries and judged by the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens to be the greenest in the entire borough.


DETAILS

WHEN:  Start time 10 AM on Sunday August 12th

WHERE:  Enter Lefferts Avenue from Bedford Avenue.  We will spend the day on this block from Bedford to Rogers Avenue.

HOW:  Subways
Prospect Park stop - S, Q or
Sterling Street - 2 or 5 trains
See Map

LUNCH:  12 - Noon.  Bring your own or shop for possibilities two blocks away at one of the main entrances to Prospect Park, and the Botanic Gardens.

AFTERNOON:  1:15 PM - Back sketching on Lefferts Avenue.

SHOW and TELL:   3 PM - A one block walk to the Lincoln Tavern at 545 Flatbush Ave corner of Maple Street - Phone:(718) 469-3333, where we will share drawings, good stories a snack or beer or wine if you're so inclined.

NOTE:
_     Be prepared for possible rain, it seems it's the season.
-     Bring a stool if you have one, it gives you more options. 

click to enlarge

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

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

Weekday Sketchers in Carl Shultz Park

Join the Weekday Sketchers in Carl Shultz Park on the Upper East Side, home to Peter Pan, a wild boar and Gracie Mansion where the Mayor lives. (The first two are statutes!)  Walks along the promenade with views of Harlem and East Rivers, the Triborough Bridge and a lighthouse on Roosevelt Island.  Or walk along the beautiful pathways with stone badges and lush landscaping.  Remind you of Central Park? Not a coincidence as it was designed by Calvert Vaux who did both Central and Prospect Parks.

Lots of benches but a stool is a good idea.  Bring lunch, a hat and plenty of water.  RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net.  Maryanne Milzoff will be the point person at the park who will wait 15 minutes for the group to gather and then go into the park.  Coming later? No problem, look for sketchers along the paths. The park is not too big to miss us.

Vaux Landscaping

Peter Pan

Gracie Mansion

Wild Boar

DATE: THURSDAY AUGUST 9, 2018

START TIME: 10:30 AM

MEETING LOCATION:  PARK ENTRANCE AT 86TH ST. 

TRANSPORTATION:  Q TRAIN TO 86TH ST.  Walk east to the park entrance.

Sketching Opportunity for Lovers of Folk and Blues Music

Last year a number of Urban Sketchers had the opportunity to be present at the Hudson West Folk Festival in Jersey City.  The organizers of the event were so happy with the sketches we produced that they are inviting us back this year.  

There are ten free passes available on a first come first served basis.  Please read the information below and  respond directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net if you are interested.  

What you need to know.

Date: Saturday September 8, 2018

Time:  Noon to 9:00 PM  

             Note: you can come at any time but please be prepared to sketch for a number of hours.  It would be good to coordinate our times at the festival so that we can cover some of the earlier acts as well as the later ones. 

Requirements: 

• First and foremost, a love of folk and blues music. 
• There is no monetary compensation other than the free pass, worth $25.
• Come prepared to sketch the acts and the crowd and then post them to the organizations' web site. 
• You can use any medium you please.  
• You will provide your own food and drink either by bringing it with you or preferably purchasing it from the food vendors at the festival. 
• Street parking is available or use public transit from NYC via the PATH System. The venue is walking distance from the Grove Street Station.  (It is NOT the same place as last year!

Jersey City's Folk Festival Located in the historic downtown area, three blocks to the Grove Street Path station and just a stone's throw from Manhattan, Jersey City again becomes a major player in the folk world when it hosts the Hudson West Folk Festival on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Grace Church, (39 Erie St., Jersey City).   Go to HudsonWestFest.org An All Day Event with 10 Musical Acts Listen to performances from both nationally-known artists and highly regarded regional acts through out the day (click artists for videos). Take a break and have a drink, grab a bite at one of the varied food vendors and browse the retail vendor stalls. Harpeth Rising Sunny War  Blue Yonder  Blackie Farrell  Stephane Wrembel trio  Evie Ladin & Keith Terry  Kirsten Maxwell  Vicki Kristina Barcelona  Scott Wolfson and Other Heroes  Freedy Johnston Buy Ticket Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Performers The lineup includes Harpeth Rising, Sunny War, Blue Yonder, Blackie Farrell, Stephane Wrembel, Evie Ladin & Keith Terry, Kirsten Maxwell, Vicki Kristina Barcelona, Scott Wolfson, and Freedy Johnston.  See all their videos Workshops, Artists & Vendors Free interactive musical workshops, all by musicians performing at the festival, are an extraordinary opportunity to learn.  Check them out at Music Workshops. A fun, festival experience with a full bar, an entire hall dedicated to an array of food and retail vendors, and roving sketch artists capturing the moment. The Venue Located at Grace Church, 39 Erie Street, Jersey City, just three blocks from the Grove Street PATH station, this venue is long know for its support of music, art and community. Our Title Sponsors

SATURDAY: Back Sketching

Back Sketching - Saturday August 4th

Back from the Porto Urban Sketchers Symposium and excited to get together.  The weather report says we should be sketching at an indoor-outdoor location.  The forecast is for almost certain rain but I've seen sunny days surprise us.  Either way -

I'm thinking big views, ... water, ... interesting architecture, ... an interesting indoors to sketch, ... food nearby for lunch, ... convenient restrooms.

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 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 floom in the large room by the windows. We'll be meeting at the area between the two escalators that take you to the food court and the bathroom.  Bring my cell phone in case you can't find us.

My hope is we'll have brilliant sunshine and will end up outside sketching the North Cove boat marina and the sites of New York harbor.  Rain or shine we'll be there sketching starting at 10 AM


DETAILS
WHEN:  Starting at 10 AM through 3 PM on Saturday August 4th.

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.

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

AFTERNOON:  1:30 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.

Click to enlarge

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

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