Looking for a creative outlet this year? Consider joining the Paris Sketchers Group

By Casandra Turnbull

Two years after an urban sketching group started in Paris it’s still going strong. It’s an opportunity for artists of all talents – beginner to experienced, to put some creativity to paper, meet new friends and take in the breathtakingly beautiful sites around town. While the group is wellestablished, they are always looking for new members with a doors open policy

If you share a passion for both art and the community, regardless of artistic ability, this might just be the perfect way to fulfil that New

Year’s Resolution to satisfy your creativity It’s a judgment free environment that offers no instruction, just comfort as you sketch, draw and paint the beautiful sites Paris has to offer. And there certainly is no shortage of distinct, historic, and picturesque subjects from the cobblestone buildings to the beauty of two rivers that flow through the town’s well-preserved downtown. “I do know some professional artists who love Paris so much they may join us at one of our events, however, most of our participants will be local people who just want more practice in an encouraging environment,” said Steve Howes, during an initial interview when the group was first formed.

Members of the Paris Sketchers group show off their work following a group session at the former Paris Lawn Bowling Club in 2023. That build was demolished to make room for the new Wilkin Family Community Centre that is under construction, so the artists’ renderings are a keepsake of Paris’ Past!

He’s one of the group’s founders. Howes and fellow local artist Christa Potter discussed the idea throughout the pandemic. Both had participated in sketching events hosted by the KW Urban Sketchers chapter and thought it would be beneficial to get out and do more drawing – locally – with friends and fellow artists As the duo continued to admire artist work on Instagram, particularly the outdoor settings, an idea was born.

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