Saturday 8/22/26: Weekend Sketchers on Governors Island

 

Get set for a day of sketching on what is becoming a veritable playground across Buttermilk Channel. The Hills, a hammock grove, water features, picnic areas, historic forts, Victorian houses, parade grounds, and the list goes on. Don't like the views on the island? Then turn your view across the water to the Manhattan Skyline or the Statue of Liberty. There is no end to sketching potential in this unique place.

The weather right now doesn’t look great, but there are plenty of indoor, or covered, options on the Island. The closest to the arrival spot is the LMCC Arts Center- Building 110 (free admission, and has a coffee shop inside), the victorian houses along Colonel’s Row are open on the weekends (and have deep porches, bring a stool), the houses surrounding Nolan Park are open, a small welcome center pavilion, and there are several cafe’s, coffee shops, and other businesses that offer shelter if it is raining…and the ferry ride itself offers incredible views.

HOST: Gabriel Foreman- (415) 810-1056
DATE: Saturday 8/22/26
TIME: Sketching 10am-3pm | Show and Tell beginning at 3pm.
SKETCHING LOCATION: Governors Island- Take the ferry from the Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street, NY, NY) and arrive at Soissons Landing. $5 round-trip.

MEETING SPOT: There will be no official meeting to kick off the day, join your fellow sketchers and just start sketching.
SHOW AND TELL LOCATION: If it is not raining we will meet on the grassy hill directly ahead of you as you exit the ferry. There is a low wall for seating. If it is raining let’s try the Arts Center, and/or the Yellow Sun Cafe in the Arts Center, directly to the right as you exit the ferry. Check with the host day-of for the exact show-and-tell location.
FOOD, DRINK, RESTROOMS, SEATING: There are restrooms, seating and food options on the Island. A stool gives you more options.

About NYC Urban Sketchers Events: All are welcome–no fee, no registration. Just look for folks with sketchbooks at the meeting spot and say hello. If you have trouble finding us, contact the host; their contact info is in the NYC Urban Sketchers blog post for this event. #nycurbansketchers.