COMMUNITY

For Potter, who’s love for the arts developed at a young age and continued through University where she completed her degree in Fine Art, this Urban Sketch group was a win-win for the community.

“I think we are just providing an outlet for what’s already here Paris is full of artists people who love art. We have two amazing galleries that not only support local work but also bring a variety of outside talent as well. And, obviously, with the last two years, we are all looking forward to an event that gets us outside, enjoying our beautiful town, and connects us with other people,” she said.

The group meets monthly at predetermined locations The January meeting is at the Paris Baptist Church (corner of William & Broadway St) on Saturday, January18th from 1 pm to 3 pm. Interested participants are encouraged to attend and find out what it is all about The corner of William and Broadway Streets offers no shortage of subject matter with the charming and quaint buildings on that block –the church, the historic library, century homes and the sightline of downtown Paris Most sessions wrap up with a typical artistic throw down, which Howes explained as an opportunity “where we can all enjoy seeing how others approached the subject. That in itself can help us all learn from each other.” Howes’ enthusiasm for arts was reignited a few years ago, he said, when he read the book titled “Every Day Matters” by Dany Gregory. While Howes enjoyed arts throughout high school, it was this book that really reminded him how soothing picking up a pencil can be at the end of the day “it opened up my mind….. I slowly started to do two or three sketches a year and with the help of Instagram and Facebook and some local workshops, I started to gain the confidence to do it more often.” His newly rediscovered pastime also led to something unexpected, a sense of meditation and relaxation. “I have a fairly busy life, between my day job and my role in local politics and I find that slowing down to focus on creating a sketch really brings a sense of balance. It’s almost meditative as you truly use a different part of your brain.” Howes is in his second term as Ward 2 Councillor for the County of Brant Council. credit Christa Potter

As for Potter, “I hope that our participants walk away feeling refreshed and inspired, but I’m also hoping that people just walking past, observing, will be able to enjoy talking with the artists and viewing the local scenery through their eyes,” she said.

The Paris Outdoor Sketchers group held a session at the Paris Plains Church only months after the group was launched. Artists gathered to tackle the project of recreating the historic cobblestone building through a variety of mediums. At the time, the group’s founders, Christa Potter and Steve Howes, were pleased to report the number of participants doubled between the first and second meeting following its 2022 inception. They are always welcoming new members. The January 2025 meeting will be held at the corner of William and Broadway Street at the Paris Baptist Church. Follow the group on social media https://www.facebook.com/groups/46161023951 66500 as it continues to grow with over 300 online members!