WEDNESDAY: Westchester Sketchers at Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

The historic Kensico Dam was built under the old dam that formed Lake Kensico, using stone taken from the adjacent Cranberry Lake Park.  The dam was completed in 1917. It is 307 feet high and 1,843 feet long and forms the Kensico reservoir. The Rising, the county's September 11th Memorial, is located at the intersection of many pathways and viewpoints and thereby extends its presence into the surrounding landscape. 

With the historic dam as a background, the Kensico Dam Plaza has many interesting scenes to sketch including fountains, the 9-11 memorial, beautiful trees, and lots of people in a scenic park setting.  Those feeling adventurous might light to climb the steep stairs or follow the brick walk-up trail to the top for a spectacular view of the Kensico Dam and Reservoir.

Looking forward to seeing you!!!

DATE: WEDNESDAY JUNE 29, 20222

LOCATION: Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, NY 10595
https://parks.westchestergov.com/parks-and-destinations/kensico-dam-plaza

TIME: 10:30 AM We will meet by the tables and chairs located in the main building's picnic area.

DIRECTIONS: 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, NY 10595
From NYC: Metro North Harlem Line to Valhalla Station. The Park is a short walk from the station.

Additional Notes:

• Parking is free.
• No Admission charge.
• Bring your own/snack or lunch and water.
• Bring your own chair or stool for the best sketching options.
• Restroom facilities are available.

Please RSVP to cathygutterman@verizon.net, so we will know who to expect.

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

Weekday Sketchers at Foley Square

Foley Square 
Meeting Spot 

Join us this week as we explore an interesting intersection in Lower Manhattan: Foley Square. For anyone who is an aficionado of crime shows based in NYC, this will be instantly recognizable. Law and Order, anyone??

Collect Pond Park

 This square (actually a triangle) is surrounded by Federal, State and City Court buildings, the NYC Municipal building.  One block away is the newly created Collect Pond Park, celebrating the site of the original collect pond that was the source of fresh water for New Amsterdam.  Or go around the corner and investigate the intriguing monument built on the site of the African Burial Ground.  And lastly visit the wonderful small park on the corner of Lafayette and Worth Streets Next to the US Court of International Trade,  called Jacob Javits Plaza.

African Burial Ground

African Burial Ground

Jacob Javits Plaza

DATE: WEDNESDAY JUNE 29, 2022

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION:  FOLEY SQUARE 

                       CENTER STREET AND WORTH STREET

TRANSPORTATION: N, R,W to City Hall Station, the J, Z to Chambers St or the 4,5,6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall

Municipal Building

NOTES

• Alan Wernicke and Maryanne Milzoff will be hosting this week's event. 
• Please RSVP directly to Alan Wernicke at: alanwernicke@yahoo.com
• Looking for us? Call or text Alan at 917-6855748 or Maryanne Milzoff at 914-255-6507
• The group will gather in front of the large black sculpture in the middle of Foley Square 
• Bring lunch and a stool.  Benches are available but a stool offers more options.
• This is a change from the previously announced site on the schedule because NYC USK will be conducting a workshop for the nearby  NY Public Library New Amsterdam branch on Murray Street.  Sketchers at this event are welcome to join the workshop participants in City Hall Park in the afternoon for additional sketching opportunities 
• Bathrooms are available at the library or in the court buildings

N J Sketchers at Liberty State Park June 30 

What does New Jersey have that New York doesn't?  ......Great views of the NY skyline!  

Join us for a day of sketching at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. If you have never been there you are in for a treat.  Great views of the NY skyline, up close and personal views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, open spaces, green spaces, estuaries and bird sanctuaries are just a few of the sites to sketch.  Then there are the NJ Central Railroad Terminal building, boat marinas, wildlife, salt marshes...and on and on. For more information about the park and its services, click here: https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/libertystatepark.html

Fun fact question: Is the Statue of Liberty part of NY or NJ?

Answer: NJ....her address is 1 Communipaw Ave, Jersey City.  Once there was an argument between the Mayors of NY and Jersey City.  The NY mayor insisted that the Statue was part of NY, so to prove a point the Jersey City mayor had the electricity to the island shut off since she does reside in NJ!

DATE;  THURSDAY JUNE 30, 2022

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION: LIBERTY STATE PARK, JERSEY CITY

                         We will meet on the plaza between the RR Terminal and the Empty Sky memorial

NOTE:   We will sketch at the north end of the park by the RR Terminal for a while for city skyline views and then go to the southern end of the park by the Liberation Statue for views of the estuaries and Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

DIRECTIONS: 

By Car: Check a map program for driving directions

By Pubic Transit: Check the website for ferry information or take the PATH to Exchange Place Jersey City and then the Hudson Bergen Light Rail to Liberty State Park.  

NJ Central RR Terminal

NOTES

• Please RSVP directly to Raylie  Dunkel at Rayliedunkel1@gmail.com especially if using public transit from NYC to coordinate for pick up at Light Rail station.
• Looking for us? Call/text Raylie at 201-273-0445
• Entrance to the park and parking are free.  For the AM session drive to the end of Audrey Zapp Drive and park in the free parking lot near the Open Sky Memorial.  Don't park in the pay parking area for the Statue of Liberty Ferry Cruises. 
• Bring a stool, sun screen and a hat
• Bring lunch and water.  There is no food service in the park
• Bathrooms are available
• We will sketch at the north end of the park by the RR Terminal for a while for city skyline views and then go to the southern end of the park by the Liberation Statue for views of the estuaries and Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island. If you are coming late please call to check our location. 

SATURDAY - June 25 - Sketch Cuba

Colorful buildings and old cars in Havana

Join NYC Urban Sketchers for a day of sketching the people, culture and landscapes of Cuba. This beautiful and colorful country will give you much to choose from. 

Trinidad, Cuba

There are nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba, including the beautiful city of Trinidad. Time seems to have stopped in 1850 in this city in central Cuba that is the country’s most popular tourist destination. As the center of Cuba’s sugar trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, it is known for its well-preserved Spanish architecture. cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and live music. 

Verdant countryside near Vinales, Cuba

The town of Vinales is another UNESCO World heritage site in an agricultural region in western Cuba. It is known for one-story wooden houses with porches and for using traditional methods for growing coffee, vegetables, fruit and especially tobacco. The flat, fertile valleys of the area are dominated by a range of limestone mountains.

Morro Castle, Havana, Cuba

Perched on a promontory on the opposite side of the harbor from Old Havana, Morro Castle, is more fully known as Castillo de los Tres Reyes de Morro. It was designed by an Italian architect and dates from 1589. The fortress features a lighthouse and has long defended Havana from pirates and other invaders. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the greater Havana area. 

Galician Palace, Havana

The Galician Palace is better known as the Grand Theater of Havana. It was designed by a Belgian architect in a Baroque style and built in 1914, with funds donated by Galician immigrants. The Palace is the home of the Cuban National Ballet. 

There are no fees. All skill levels are welcome.

Registration for this virtual event is required.  Please click on the Eventbrite link below:
Sketch Cuba-inspired Tickets, Sat, Jun 25, 2022 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

Photo references for Sketch Cuba are below:
CUBA (site123.me)

What’s Coming Up Next
July 2 - Sketchers Holiday - Happy Independence Day
July 9 - Summer Holiday - Vacation Postcard
July 16 - Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard

Folk Dancers in Cuba

NYC Urban Sketchers is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization (EIN 84-3937060). Tax deductible donations by check may be sent to NYC Urban Sketchers, P.O. Box 1083, James A. Farley Post Office, New York, NY 10116

SATURDAY: Sketch Tompkins Square Park in the East Village

 

Tompkins Square Park sits in the middle of the East Village,  a perfect centerpiece for an eclectic neighborhood, which houses artists, radicals, fashion lovers, and those who have lived in the neighborhood for decades and witnessed its many changes.

Along with its excellent people-watching, the park has two playgrounds, a handball court, chess tables, and a basketball court.  Wildlife includes interesting bird watching, and the local black squirrels. The park contains a number of elm trees. One of these, known as the Hare Krishna Tree, for its association with the 1966 founding of the Krishna movement in the United States.

The East Village is rich in small neighborhood pocket parks and community gardens.  Each is unique.  A well known one is the 6BC Garden a block away, depending on conditions we may also opt to spend part of the afternoon portion of the day visiting this garden (TBD)

Fun Fact:  The park opened in 1834 and is named for Daniel D. Tompkins, Vice President of the United States under President James Monroe and the Governor of New York from 1807 until 1817..  (Oh!  ... that Tompkins!)

 

DETAILS

What:   We’ll be sketching Tompkins Square Park

Where:   Tompkins Square Park is bounded on the north by East 10th Street, on the east by Avenue B, on the south by East 7th Street, and on the west by Avenue A, is abutted by St. Marks Place to the west.   We’ll meet in the center of the park

When:  Start time - 10 AM.   Running late?  Come anyway - we'll be there.

How:

-   By Subway:  

1st Avenue - L train

8th Street - N, Q, R, and W trains

Astor Place -  6 train

2nd Avenue - F train 

(see map below).

Lunch:  We'll break at 12:30 PM.   Bring your own food and drink or rely on vendors.

Afternoon:  1:30 PM  Back to sketching.  

Show and Tell:  3:00 PM - Location to be determined.  We’ll share stories from the day, show our artwork and talk about the things artists talk about when they’re together.

NOTE:

-     Bring a hat.    

-      Bring a stool if you have one, it gives you more options. (although there are many table and chairs there)

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 Meeting at St. Lukes 

CANCELED

The forecast for Wednesday is rain, rain and more rain. 

 The Weekday Sketchers event at St. Luke's in the Field is CANCELED.  We will schedule the event again later in the summer.

Join us for our Famous First Annual Picnic Summer Celebration

 

Welcome to the NYC Urban Sketchers 

Famous First Annual Picnic Summer Celebration

Sunday - July 10th

It doesn’t feel right to call this our holiday party, since the winter holiday season is long gone.  We’ve waited to have a big get together until it was summer and we could be outdoors.  

The Queens Botanical Garden is a real gem.  The 39-acre site features rose, bee, herb, wedding, and perennial gardens; an arboretum; and an art gallery.

 It’s such a lovely spot, and the QBG seems to love the idea that artists would come to their oasis to capture the beauty of the surroundings.   

We’ve also rented a gorgeous indoor space, so,  no matter what weather, we will be able to sketch together.   We have loads of surprises for you including free art supplies, sweets, drinks, a Silent Auction with really cool items as well as and the opportunity to bid on some unique art related objects that you’ll love.

There is a $10 registration fee that includes admission to the gardens.  Bring your own lunch, we’re supplying desert.

DETAILS

What:   NYC Urban Sketchers First Annual Picnic Summer Celebration

Where:   The Queens Botanical Gardens - 43-50 Main St, Queens.  

When:   Get there at 10 AM to enjoy the full day.  Sleeping late?  Come anyway - we’ll be there.

How:  Click this link for directions:   

(Please note parking is $10 and is not covered by the Eventbrite fee)

Last Step:  To register, click this link to our Eventbrite page

FRIDAY: WESTCHESTER Sketchers at the Village of Larchmont

Larchmont Library

The Village of Larchmont is a 1.1 square mile area just north of NYC, and towards the southeastern section of Westchester County. Known for its tree-lined streets and easy access to the Long Island Sound shore, Larchmont is a walkable town with a friendly village atmosphere. It has been ranked among the best places in the nation to live. We will be sketching the charming neighborhood along Larchmont Avenue. Here you will find the Larchmont Library, the Village Hall and Firehouse, Saint Augustine Church, stately homes, as well as beautiful trees and flowers. The storefronts on nearby Post Road are also an option for your sketches.

Larchmont Village Hall and Firehouse

DETAILS:

DATE: FRIDAY, June 24, 2022

START TIME: 10:30 AM.   

LOCATION: Village of Larchmont 

Meet in front of the Larchmont Library, 121 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont, NY 10538 (914) 834-2281

DIRECTIONS: https://www.larchmontlibrary.org/about/directions/ 

By TRAIN (From Grand Central Terminal, NYC):
Take the Metro-North New Haven line to the Larchmont Station.  The Library is less than a mile walk from the Larchmont station.  (Walk on Chatsworth until you reach the Post Road. Turn right. Larchmont Avenue is your next left and the Library is the second building on your left across the street from the Firehouse).  If you need a ride from the Station, please call Marianne (914) 355-6507 to arrange for pick-up.

LUNCH: 1:00 PM Bring your own or purchase from local shops on Post Road.

SHOW and TELL: After lunch.  This is the social part of our day where we share our drawings, tips, and stories. It is a time not to be missed. 

NOTES:

• Restrooms in the Library.
• Metered parking along Larchmont Avenue or find free parking on side streets. 
• Bring a stool if you have one. 

Please RSVP to Cathy (cathygutterman@verizon.net). 

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

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

Weekday Sketchers at St. Luke in the Field

Garden at St Luke in the Fields

A city garden is a very special place: It offers respite from the hubbub of the city with green leaves and and colorful flowers away from the brick and concrete.  There are many hidden gardens in the city, both public and private and one of the nicest is the garden at St. Luck in the Field on Hudson Street just below Christopher Street. 

Step into the garden. Focus up close on the beautiful flowers or zoom back a bit and frame the people sitting on the benches among foliage. Walk around the property and take in the old architecture and  stained glass.  No matter what you choose it will be lovely. 

Gardens at St Luke in the Fields 

For  information about the gardens, click here: https://stlukeinthefields.org/about/gardens/

Still want more? After lunch walk around the neighborhood with its19th century row houses, gardens and tree lined streets 

West Village Town Houses

Or stroll over to Christopher Street Pier for great views of the Hudson River and wonderful opportunity to sketch the people lounging on the lawns or strolling along the walkway. Or broaden your view and sketch  t
he boats on the river. 

Christopher St Pier

DATE: WEDNESDAY JUNE 22, 2022

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION: ST. LUKE IN THE FIELD

                       Hudson St near the corner of Barrow Street

TRANSPORTATION: 1 to Christopher Street 

Garden Entrance

NOTES

• Please RSVP directly to Alan Wernicke at alanwernicke@yahoo.com
• Looking for us? Call Alan at 917 685 5748
• There are benches in the garden but a stool will offer you more options for sketching
• Bring lunch or purchase it from the food outlets in the neighborhood.
• Bathrooms are available in the church
• Optional afternoon sketching in the West Village or on the Christopher Street Pier

SAVE the DATE : SUNDAY, July 10th - NYC Urban Sketchers Picnic

NYC Urban Sketchers is hosting a summer picnic at Queens Botanical Garden on Sunday, July 10th. Tickets will be available on Eventbrite. Stay tuned for more information. 

SATURDAY - June 18 - Sequential Art - Comics, Cartoons and Graphic Novels

Sequential art is a form of expression using a train of images displayed in succession to tell a story or present information. Comics are the most well-known form of sequential art, with a printed arrangement of art as in comic books and strips. 

Sequential art has existed for millennia. Some of the earliest examples include European cave paintings, Egyptian hieroglyphics, and pre-Columbian picture manuscripts by the Aztec and Maya. 

Even a quilt can be a form of sequential art.

There are no fees. All skill levels are welcome.

Registration is required. Click Eventbrite link below:
Sequential Art Virtual Sketch Event Tickets, Saturday. June 18, 2022 at 10 AM Eventbrite

For photo references for this virtual event, click on the link below:
Sequential Arts & Comics (site123.me)

Upcoming Events

June 25 - Cuba-inspired Art

July 2 - Sketchers Holiday - Happy Independence Day!

July 9 - Summer Party - Vacation Postcard

NYC Urban Sketchers is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Tax deductible donations may be sent    by check to NYC Urban Sketchers, P.O.Box 1083, James A. Farley Post Office, New York, NY 10116

SATURDAY: Sketch the Elizabeth Street Garden

 

Please Note - We are starting at 11:00 AM on Saturday - when the garden opens.

For years our extraordinary weekday group has been sketching at the Elizabeth Street Gardens.  We'd always planned to visit, with the weekend group, but never got there.   Raylie shared that developers have their eye on this property and if we want to experience and record the event - we should get out there soon.  Also motivated because this is another location below 14th Street and we have an art show coming up that is limited to urban sketches done in Manhattan below 14th Street.

What a wonderful, sketchable oasis!

DETAILS

What:   We’ll be sketching the Elizabeth Street Garden

Where:   Elizabeth Street - between Prince & Spring Streets,

When:  Start time - 11 AM - June 18, 2022.   Running late?  Come anyway - we'll be there.

How:

-   By Subway:  

4,5, 6 trains to Spring Street

J, Z, trains to Bowery

BDFM trains to Broadway Lafayette

F train to Second Avenue     - (see map below).

​- By Car:   Parking is limited and difficult​

Lunch:  We'll break at 12:30.   Bring your own food and drink or rely on vendors.

Afternoon:  1:30 PM  Back to sketching.  

Show and Tell:  3:00 PM -   We’ll find a spot in the gardens to share stories from the day, show our artwork and talk about the things artists talk about when they’re together.

NOTE:

-     Bring a hat.  It often helps

-     Bring a stool if you have one, it definitely 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.

SATURDAY: Westchester Sketchers at Pierson Park in Tarrytown

 

Tarrytown's Pierson Park is located at West Main Street, along the banks of the Hudson River. The park has expansive views of the Palisades, the Mario Cuomo Bridge Bridge, the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, and the New York City skyline. It includes a riverside esplanade, grass terraces and lawns, and an “eco-corridor” filled with native plants. One of the greatest features of Pierson Park is the Westchester Riverwalk, a paved footpath that stretches for about a mile along the waterfront.

DETAILS:

When: SATURDAY, June 18th. 10:00 AM.

Where: Pierson Park, 238 W Main St, Tarrytown, NY 1059, (914) 631-8347.
We'll meet by the Senior Center near resident Parking Lot E.

Directions: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/41.0319553,-73.7830858/Pierson+Park

PARKING: 

• Non-residents need to park in the numbered spaces.  
• Residents must have a sticker to park in Lot E (in front of the Senior Center.)
• Parking meter rates are 25 cents for 15 minutes or $1.00 an hour. 
• All meters accept nickels, dimes, and quarters.

Transportation from NYC: Take Metro-North's Hudson Line to the Tarrytown Station.  Pierson Park is just steps from the Tarrytown train station.  All you need to do is walk off the platform, cross over the tracks, and head toward the river.

Lunch: 1 PM Bring your own food and beverage.  Location to be determined.

Show & Tell: Following lunch, we will share stories and sketches during the social part of our day.

NOTES:
- The park has benches but bring a stool for more options.
- Dress for sunshine.  Bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Public restrooms are available.

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

Please R.S.V.P. to Cathy Gutterman at cathygutterman@verizon.net

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

Weekday Sketchers at South Street Seaport 

South Street Seaport Museum Entrance

Join us this week as we explore the incredible sailing ships, old cobblestoned streets and colonial buildings at the South Street Seaport.  But wait....there's more......Great views of the Brooklyn bridge, the lower Manhattan skyline, the East River and Brooklyn Bridge Park across the river.   

Seaport Museum Meet Spot

DATE: WEDNESDAY JUNE 15, 2022

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION: SOUTH STREET SEAPORT

                        East River and Fulton Street

                         Meet in front of the South Street Seaport Museum 

TRANSPORTATION: 2, 3, J, Z 4, 5 to Fulton Street.  Walk east towards the East River after exiting the station. 

NOTES

• Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at Rayliedunkel1@gmail.com
• Looking for us? Call or text Raylie at 201-273-0445
• Bring a stool for best sketching site lines
• Bring a hat and sunscreen
• Bring lunch or purchase it from the many vendors
• Public restrooms are available