[SIGN-UP REQUIRED] Orchestra Toronto - Live Sketching at Dress Rehearsal

      SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2026 | 10:30AM-12:45PM

We have been invited to sketch by Orchestra Toronto as they rehearse Exploration of the Soul: Tchaikovsky & Adler. This is an exciting opportunity to capture the dynamic energy of the musicians during soundcheck and rehearsal, offering both creative inspiration and a behind-the-scenes view of the orchestra in action.

Sign-up is required via this Google Form
Sign-up closes: February 27, 2026.

Please note: This event takes place at Meridian Arts Centre (5040 Yonge Street, North York) — not Meridian Hall.

Orchestra Toronto is also offering a discount code for concert tickets later in the day, available exclusively to participating sketchers.

Event Details

Event: Orchestra Toronto Dress Rehearsal / Soundcheck
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:45 PM
(Concert begins at 3:00 PM for those who have purchased tickets)
Location: Meridian Arts Centre (5040 Yonge Street, North York)

Schedule

10:30 AM
Meet at the Stage Entrance Area / Auditorium of Meridian Arts Centre for check-in and a brief orientation with the host (Sonya - co-hosted by Natalie).

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Artists arrive and find their preferred sketching locations. Sketching runs concurrently with soundcheck. Artists may move throughout the audience seating and balcony to sketch from their preferred vantage points.

12:15 PM – 12:30 PM
Exit the hall for the throwdown and group photo.

Optional: Artwork Display

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Setup & Display Installation

Orchestra Toronto will host a pre-concert display of submitted artwork.

Sketches will be mounted using foam core and adhesive (painter’s tape)
Artists may stand by their displayed work during setup and/or leave:
A business card
Email address
Instagram handle
(on a separate card or directly on their work)
Displays are for exhibition only and not for sale
(unless contacted privately after the event)

Please note that artists are responsible for picking up their own artwork following the throwdown.
Artists may choose to leave their work with Sonya after the event for temporary display and later return. However, by doing so, you acknowledge that the artwork remains your responsibility.
Neither Sonya nor Urban Sketchers Toronto assumes any responsibility or liability for loss, damage, or unclaimed artwork left after the event. It is your responsibility to ensure your work is collected in a timely manner.

More information about the performance:

https://www.orchestratoronto.ca/concert-exploration-of-the-soul-tchaikovsky-adler

*****

Urban Sketchers Manifesto
1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation.
2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live, and where we travel.
3. Our drawings are a record of time and place.
4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness.
5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles.
6. We support each other and draw together.
7. We share our drawings online.
8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.

*****

Disclaimer
By participating in any events organized by Urban Sketchers Toronto (USk Toronto, USk TO), you agree to the following:

USk TO events are provided with no special warranty either expressed or implied.

You assume all risks while participating in the event. All participants must use care and good judgment and must obey the USk Manifesto, all rules and regulations of USk Toronto and the City of Toronto.
USk Toronto reserves the right to reject any participant who is causing disruption of activities during the event.

USk Toronto, including but not limited to the organizers, committee members, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, etc., assume no liability for any loss, theft, damage, or injury to property or persons, including death, whether arising in contract, negligence, equity, or otherwise.

USk Toronto reserves the right to post any pictures and videos taken during the events on social media without asking permission of each individual present in the material. (Discretion will be applied, where appropriate.)

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: BY PARTICIPATING IN USK TORONTO EVENTS, YOU ARE GIVING UP ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE CLAIMS THAT YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST THE ORGANIZERS

Call for Writers for our Q1 Newsletter!

 

We’re putting together our Q1 community newsletter and would love to hear from you.

Send us your:

• Short article or sketch of a fun USk Toronto sketching experience
• Personal urban sketch moment or observations while out and about
• Meetup/event experience
• Cool urban sketching tip/technique
• Reportage, etc…get creative!

Deadline is March 21, 2026

All articles should include 1 accompanying image, whether a sketch or photo. Feel free to email us with any questions.

Please ensure your submission follows the Urban Sketchers Manifesto.

toronto.urbansketchers@gmail.com

Sketching Union Station

     SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026 | 1:00-3:00PM

Can’t pass on this annual tradition of sketching one of our wintertime favourites! Let’s head back to Union Station, capture the grandeur of the Great Hall, sketch the people transiting through, and the myriad activities in the hub. Remember there’s also a vast subterranean food hall to discover.

1pm - optionally check in with hosts at the Great Hall by the clock before finding a sketch spot.

3pm - reconvene in the same spot for our group throwdown to share sketches, chat, and take a group photo.

Please note:
NO oil or acrylic paints to be used at this time at the venue’s request due to the heritage floors. Watercolours in a pan format are allowed. Please be mindful to avoid any paint spillage.

Please do not block pedestrian traffic and treat security with courtesy.

Tag @torontounion in your social media posts—they would love to see your sketches!

Where: Union Station, 65 Front St W
When: February 21, 1-3pm
Hosts: Natalie and Vivian

*****

Urban Sketchers Manifesto
1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation.
2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live, and where we travel.
3. Our drawings are a record of time and place.
4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness.
5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles.
6. We support each other and draw together.
7. We share our drawings online.
8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.

*****

Disclaimer
By participating in any events organized by Urban Sketchers Toronto (USk Toronto, USk TO), you agree to the following:

USk TO events are provided with no special warranty either expressed or implied.

You assume all risks while participating in the event. All participants must use care and good judgment and must obey the USk Manifesto, all rules and regulations of USk Toronto and the City of Toronto.
USk Toronto reserves the right to reject any participant who is causing disruption of activities during the event.

USk Toronto, including but not limited to the organizers, committee members, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, etc., assume no liability for any loss, theft, damage, or injury to property or persons, including death, whether arising in contract, negligence, equity, or otherwise.

USk Toronto reserves the right to post any pictures and videos taken during the events on social media without asking permission of each individual present in the material. (Discretion will be applied, where appropriate.)

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: BY PARTICIPATING IN USK TORONTO EVENTS, YOU ARE GIVING UP ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE CLAIMS THAT YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST THE ORGANIZERS

Sketching Chef's Hall

    WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026 | 6:00-8:00PM

Winter time, it’s freezing out, let’s huddle and sketch together at the Chef’s Hall!

With direct access from the PATH network – located in Richmond-Adelaide Centre, the Hall is a place where some of Toronto’s finest food vendors collaborate to provide a comfortable space for after-work drinks and eats…. and sketch!

Please note:
1. We are sketchers as well as patrons of the Hall. Please do enjoy the space and its various food and beverage offerings.
2. Electronic payment only! This space was created during the pandemic and has stuck to this payment method.

More about Chef’s Hall here www.chefshall.com also IG: @chefshallto

6pm - check in with hosts before finding a spot to sketch. We will be by the Lost Coffee shown in the cover photo.

8pm - let’s gather for a throwdown and group photo.

When: Wednesday Feb 18, 2026 - 6-8pm
Where: Chef’s Hall - Richmond-Adelaide Centre - 111 Richmond Street West
Hosts: Vivian and Natalie

*****

Urban Sketchers Manifesto
1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation.
2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live, and where we travel.
3. Our drawings are a record of time and place.
4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness.
5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles.
6. We support each other and draw together.
7. We share our drawings online.
8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.

*****

Disclaimer
By participating in any events organized by Urban Sketchers Toronto (USk Toronto, USk TO), you agree to the following:

USk TO events are provided with no special warranty either expressed or implied.

You assume all risks while participating in the event. All participants must use care and good judgment and must obey the USk Manifesto, all rules and regulations of USk Toronto and the City of Toronto.
USk Toronto reserves the right to reject any participant who is causing disruption of activities during the event.

USk Toronto, including but not limited to the organizers, committee members, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, etc., assume no liability for any loss, theft, damage, or injury to property or persons, including death, whether arising in contract, negligence, equity, or otherwise.

USk Toronto reserves the right to post any pictures and videos taken during the events on social media without asking permission of each individual present in the material. (Discretion will be applied, where appropriate.)

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: BY PARTICIPATING IN USK TORONTO EVENTS, YOU ARE GIVING UP ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE CLAIMS THAT YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST THE ORGANIZERS