Thursday, 29 May 2025

Sketching Liberty Village Art Crawl at The Bentway

 SATURDAY MAY 31, 2025 | 1-3PM




Sketchers, we are heading back to the Bentway this Saturday to sketch and attend a lively Art Market taking place at this great urban community space.

Address: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
When: Saturday May 31, 2025 - 1-3pm
Hosts: Natalie (@natalie.dauntless), Vivian (@vfsoetikno)

1pm: hosts will be at the Bentway entrance off of Strachan Ave for about 10 minutes (pictured below) Optionally come and say hi before dispersing to sketch individually or in small groups depending on personal preference.
3pm: We will meet at the same spot, for throwdown and group photo.


Notes:
1) this is a free but ticketed event. Get your free ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../liberty-village-art-crawl... ;
2) this promises to be a bustling market, keep your sketch materials minimal;
3) take care not to impede paths, entryways, people traffic.
Be sure to tag the Bentway and the Toronto Art Crawl when posting your sketches on social media. @thebentway @torontoartcrawl

*****

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

Thursday, 22 May 2025

[TICKET REQUIRED] Above Ground Carousel Event

 SUNDAY JUNE 8, 2025 | 9:40AM - 4PM





Join the Carousel of learning with 6 different sketching instructors! Six different stations, each led by an instructor, will be set up throughout the store. You will spend 15 minutes at each station, learning how to use various art supplies in the context of urban sketching.

After completing all six stations, you’ll apply what you’ve learned by using the provided materials to sketch in Butterfield Park. The activity will conclude with a Throwdown (show and tell) session, where participants will present their artworks, share their experiences, and reflect on their learning. Instructors will then offer constructive feedback and critique.

This event requires a ticket.


*****

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 at The Well

 SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025 | 1-3PM




From the glorious roof structure to the market with cafes, restaurants, food courts teeming with neighbourhood locals and visitors, let’s sketch this very sketchable complex.
As this is a public commercial space, please be aware of some property management rules:
1) do not obstruct hallways, paths, entry-ways;
2) do not bring large equipment - keep your sketch materials to a minimum;
3) no sitting on floor, no sketch stools allowed - please keep to designated seating areas.

Address: The Well, 486 Front Street West
When: Sunday, May 25, 2025 1-3pm
Host: Vivian (@vfsoetikno), Natalie (@natalie.dauntless)

1pm - hosts will be at the Well entrance by Mandy’s on Wellington Street for about 10 minutes. Optionally come by and say hi, before dispersing to sketch individually or in small groups depending on personal preference.
3pm - meet back at the same place for a throwdown and group photo

Be sure to tag @usktoronto and @thewell_to when posting your drawing on social media.

*****

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


Thursday, 8 May 2025

Sketching U of T's Victoria College Quad

 SATURDAY MAY 10, 2025 | 2-3:30PM



Let’s take advantage of this weekend’s forecasted warm spring day and sketch the beautiful quad at University of Toronto’s Victoria College. The quad is surrounded by stately buildings that form the Victoria University campus, including the Burwash Residences, the Old Vic, and the E.J. Pratt Library that overlooks the L.B. Pearson Garden for Peace and Understanding.
Note: while the buildings may be open to the public, we have not asked for permission to sketch inside the buildings. Please be mindful of faculty members, respecting their privacy and need for peaceful study space.

Address: 73 Queen’s Park Crescent East

When: Saturday, May 10, 2025 2-3:30pm

Host: Vivian (@vfsoetikno)

2pm: Host will be outside of the Old Vic building. Come and say hi before dispersing to sketch individually or in small groups depending on personal preference.
3:30pm - We will meet for a throwdown and group photo at the same location.

Friday, 2 May 2025

Lines of the City: Urban Sketches of Toronto - Call for Entries

  • Exhibition Dates: August 5 - September 27, 2025
  • Location: UrbanSpace Gallery, 401 Richmond Street West, Toronto
  • Deadline to Submit Form: Monday, June 2, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)
  • Submission via Google Form: https://forms.gle/rm64kdDPM3Vh3W9b9

About the Exhibition

We invite submissions for Lines of the City: Urban Sketches of Toronto, a group exhibition showcasing the vibrant, diverse, and ever-changing cityscape through on-location sketching. 

Open to all sketchers within our Urban Sketchers Toronto community —whether seasoned or just beginning— this exhibition celebrates sketching our city from observation, one line at a time. Show us your Toronto!

What is an Urban Sketch?

An urban sketch is a drawing created on location—in the moment—capturing your surroundings from direct observation. If you draw on location, you are an urban sketcher!

The 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.

Eligibility

Open to artists in our Urban Sketchers Toronto community who have participated in an event or meetup.

Artwork Guidelines

  • Up to 2 pieces per artist may be submitted.
  • Due to space limitations, 1 or both may be accepted.
  • Maximum dimensions (including frame): 14 x 18 inches (portrait or landscape).
  • Originals or giclée prints are allowed. Giclée prints must be faithful reproductions (no digital manipulation beyond basic corrections).
  • Artist Statement (2–3 sentences, 75 words max) required for each piece. Tell us a little bit about why you chose the scene, what it means to you, an interesting moment etc. Please note this statement may be used on display at the exhibition and/or included in a print catalogue for distribution.

Submission Format

Submit digital images for consideration via above-mentioned Google Form, using the following criteria: 

  • JPEG or PNG images at minimum 200 dpi
  • Minimum 1200 pixels on longest side
  • File size under 10MB
  • File naming format: [LastName][FirstName]_[EntryNumber].jpg
  •  (e.g., DoeJane_01.jpg)

Entry Fee

  • $20 per accepted piece (non-refundable)
  • This fee helps cover exhibition costs and the opening reception.
  • Unfortunately, no waivers or discounts are available.

Framing & Presentation

Upon acceptance, all artworks MUST be in frames with the following attributes:
  • D-rings only for hanging (no sawtooth hangers)
  • Black with flat profile, max 1” width
  • Clean and gallery-ready
  • Glazed with glass or Plexiglas
  • Matting optional; must be white, off-white, or pale gray
  • Maximum dimensions (including frame): 14 x 18 inches (portrait or landscape)

Important Dates

  • Form Submission Deadline: Monday, June 2, 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance: Thursday, June 26, 2025
  • Artwork Drop-off Day: Saturday August 2 (time TBD)
  • Exhibition Opens: August 5, 2025
  • Exhibition Closes: September 27, 2025
  • Artwork Pick-up: Saturday, September 27, 2025 (times TBD)

Delivery & Pick-up

  • Artists are responsible for delivering and collecting their artwork on the specified dates.
  • If you cannot attend, you may:
    • Authorize someone to deliver/pick up on your behalf
    • Coordinate a group delivery with other participants
  • No alternate dates will be available.

Sales & Promotion

  • Artists are responsible for coordinating direct sales of their work.
  • If the work is for sale, price and contact information must be provided with submission and will be displayed at the exhibition.
  • All sold pieces must remain on display until the end of the exhibition.
  • Participating artists agree to allow images of their work to be used for promotional purposes (with full credit).
  • Accepted works may be featured in a print catalogue, which would be available for preorder.

Liability & Damages

Urban Sketchers Toronto and 401 Richmond Urbanspace Gallery are not responsible for any losses, injuries or damages of artwork or persons that may be incurred before, during, or after the duration of the exhibition installation.

Need More Info?

Got questions? Email us at toronto.urbansketchers@gmail.com

Website: https://uskto.blogspot.com/

Stay tuned on our Instagram @usktoronto