To directly reach out to the members of our community, we have set up Substack, which is a newsletter platform that allows us to send upcoming meetup details, event summaries and any other useful information directly to your email inbox. If you want to receive newsletters from us and stay updated, enter your email address in the below box to subscribe. If you’re unsure about subscribing, you can take a look at our Substack website first through the link below. https://uskvancouver.substack.com/ Click “Read first” on the first page to view our posts without subscribing. We have also decided to transfer the blog function to Substack, so we're closing this Blogger. Thank you for checking it out. We're excited to provide more stuff on Substack! ---------------- As an official chapter, we respect and follow  Urban Sketchers' manifesto  in every meetup. Urban Sketchers Vancouver Facebook group Instagram  

  Let’s meet and sketch at the Vancouver Maritime Museum! 📍At the entrance of Vancouver Maritime Museum https://maps.app.goo.gl/3ShtYfpvWvKVg9Xh9 📅Saturday, November 15th, 2025 Meetup 🕐 1 pm Sketch Throwdown 🕐 3:15 pm *We will update closer to the date if anything changes.  Located in Vanier Park, the Vancouver Maritime Museum showcases the rich maritime history of the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic. Its main exhibition is the St. Roch, the first vessel to travel the North West Passage from west to east. The museum features an extensive collection of maritime artifacts. It will be a fun experience to explore and learn life on the oceans! If the weather permits, you can also sketch outdoors in Vanier Park or along the seawall, which offers stunning waterfront views. The museum building itself can be an interesting subject to sketch. Admission fee: Adult: $22 + GST Student/Senior/Youth: $17.50 + GST Children 5 & under: free with a paying adult Note that you can get a 2...

  Let’s meet and sketch on Granville Island with the guest artist, Steven Reddy! 📍Off the Tracks Cafe https://maps.app.goo.gl/f8qHdFJREF3LAztC9 📆 Saturday, November 1st, 2025 Meetup 🕐 1 pm Sketch Throwdown 🕐 3:15 pm *We will update closer to the date if anything changes. LET’S MEET UP just outside Off the Tracks Cafe (1363 Railspur Alley) at 1:00 p.m. You can remain there or go elsewhere to draw. Then we will gather again, at the same place at 3:15 p.m., to share our work and chat. We will also have an out of town guest joining us. Steven Reddy is a well known Seattle-based urban sketch artist, illustrator and author. Granville Island has ample subject matter both inside and out: the Public Market, the Net Loft, under the bridge, around industrial-looking Ocean Cement, the little ferries, and of course lots of people. Useful link for getting to Granville Island. https://granvilleisland.com/directions-and-parking Don’t forget your sketching supplies. Some people might like to b...

 Let's sketch together and discover a bit of Diwali at the Roundhouse in Yaletown! 📍Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre *Meet between the rear entrance of the Roundhouse (near the washrooms) and the information desk. https://maps.app.goo.gl/NVjUDBUTRypssCdH6 📆 Saturday, October 25th, 2025 Meetup 🕐 2 pm Sketch Throwdown 🕐 4:30 pm *We will update closer to the date if anything changes. This vibrant South Asian event will include traditional and contemporary lively South Asian music & dance performances, a festive Diwali market, food Trucks, Rangoli, Diwali Arts & Crafts etc - All this should provide lots of good subject material to sketch! Things To Bring: art supplies water a collapsible stool or chair an umbrella and / or a hat, in case of rain or shine How to Get There: Using public transit is recommended. Right across Yaletown-Roundhouse Station on the Canada Line. This is a free public event, BUT you have to register online to get free entry tickets. For ...

  Let' Sketch At Cathedral Square in Downtown Vancouver! 📍In front of Holy Rosary Cathedral, Downtown Vancouver https://maps.app.goo.gl/6GoR9PKg2VusjTxw9 📆 Saturday, September  27th, 2025 Meetup 🕐 1 pm Sketch Throwdown 🕐 3:15 pm *We will update closer to the date if anything changes. Join us for a relaxed sketching session at Cathedral Square, located directly across from the iconic Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver. The public plaza offers a rich mix of architectural and urban elements that make it a perfect spot for sketching. **RAIN PLAN**  If the weather turns, we’ll move indoors to the Vancouver Public Library, a fantastic space with unique architectural features, grand interiors, and indoor activity that are perfect for sketching. Sketching Subjects: The surrounding plaza and urban environment – benches, trees, fountains, and architectural details of the Holy Rosary Cathedral People and everyday life – capture candid moments of locals and visitors inte...

 Let’s meet and sketch at the Shipyards, North Vancouver! 📍In front of The Polygon Gallery entrance https://maps.app.goo.gl/xo3xB3chk8Rr4fVRA 📆 September 13th, 2025 Meetup 🕐 1 pm Sketch Throwdown 🕐 3:30 pm **We will update closer to the date if anything changes. The Shipyards is a world-class mixed-use development on the North Vancouver waterfront. The site is named after the Wallace Shipyards, which dates back to the First World War. You can find various sketchworthy subjects like: Activity in and around the Shipyard Commons The Lonsdale Quay, with its busy market vibe Floating dry dock or nearby boats Skyline views of Downtown Vancouver Meeting Point: The meeting location is in front of the Polygon Gallery's overhang where a bunch of benches are. We will gather at 1pm and spread out around North Vancouver's Shipyard area and come back to the same spot at 3:30pm to share our works. Public bathrooms are available nearby. Things To Bring: • Art supplies • A collapsible stool...

  Let’s meet and sketch at Coal Harbour! 📍Jack Poole Plaza in front of the Olympic Cauldron https://maps.app.goo.gl/G6WkVetqQxHEyjYo8 📅Saturday, August 30th, 2025 Meetup 🕐 1pm Sketch Throwdown 🕐 3:30 pm **We will update closer to the date if anything changes. Join us for a sketching session at Vancouver’s stunning Coal Harbour! This lively waterfront area blends modern architecture with breathtaking mountain and ocean views. From the seawall to the marina, you’ll find plenty of sketch-worthy subjects, including yachts, seaplanes, the Vancouver Convention Centre, and the iconic sails of Canada Place. We may also capture people strolling, cyclists along the seawall, or the reflections of high-rises shimmering on the water. Meeting Point: We’ll meet in front of Jack Poole Plaza, right by the Olympic Cauldron at 1:00 pm, before we head toward Coal Harbour together. How to Get There: Public transit: The closest SkyTrain station is Waterfront Station (Expo, Canada, and SeaBus connect...

Itinerary updated! Read the description. -------------------------------- Let’s meet and sketch on Bowen Island! 📍Tell Your Friends Café https://maps.app.goo.gl/GrSaTpqzcFQ7t3XB9 📅Saturday, August 16th, 2025 Meetup 🕐 11:10 am Sketch Throwdown 🕐 5:00 pm *Some members are going to stay at the meetup location until noon so people arriving late can find the group. Since this is an extended event, please read the description below for the detailed itinerary (but you can basically come and leave anytime you want!). *We will update closer to the date if anything changes.  THINK OF THIS as a great ALL day event and sketching opportunity! Going to nearby Bowen Island is also an adventure - we did it last year and it was lots of fun! Bowen Island is an interesting destination with lovely coastlines, deep forests and a much slower lifestyle. It is also a part of Metro Vancouver. The village of Snug Cove has a boat harbour, restaurants, pubs, ice cream available, gift shops and galleries. ...

  Let’s meet and sketch at Powell Street Festival! 📍In front of Vancouver Buddhist Temple https://maps.app.goo.gl/VBjtw9MpKc93y2peA August 2, 2025 (Sat) Meetup 🕐 1 pm Sketch Throwdown 🕐 3:30 pm *We will update closer to the date if anything changes. *There will be large crowds around Vancouver Buddhist Temple during the festival so the throwdown location may change depending on the flow of people. Powell Street Festival is a vibrant summer celebration (natsumatsuri) of the Japanese-Canadian community and culture in Vancouver and takes place in the historic neighborhood known as Japantown. You’ll find a variety of things to sketch, from Japanese food stalls and craft vendors, to live music and dance performances, to traditional martial arts demonstrations. The event venues include Oppenheimer Park, Firehall Arts Centre, Vancouver Buddhist Temple and Vancouver Japanese Language School. Join us for this great opportunity to be immersed in Japanese culture on the August long weekend...

Let’s meet and sketch at Burnaby Village Museum! 📍Orientation Plaza, Burnaby Village Museum https://maps.app.goo.gl/icGkUYwd9SZzHxD87 July 19, 2025 (Sat) Meetup 🕐 1pm Sketch Throwdown 🕐 3:30 pm **We will update closer to the date if anything changes. This beautifully recreated 1920s village is now open for the summer season with free admission. Why not take advantage of this seasonal opportunity? The village has restored heritage buildings and replicas, from a barber shop to a grocery store, a school, a steam shed, and a carousel, recreating the atmosphere of a village from a century ago. It will be an interesting sketching subject and we can get a glimpse into history too. The village being located at the picturesque Deer Lake Park, you can also find other things to sketch such as Deer Lake, people having a picnic at the park and some interesting architecture in the vicinity. How to Get There: - Public transit If you take the Expo line, you can take #144 bus from Metrotown Station ...

  Let’s meet and sketch at Queen's Park in New Westminster! 📍Between Picnic Shelter #1 and the Bandshell (Outdoor stage) https://maps.app.goo.gl/fhhiq5fr2v5v56je7 July 6, 2025 (Sun) Meetup 🕐 1 pm Sketch Throwdown 🕐 4:00 pm *We will update closer to the date if anything changes. Welcome to a sketch meet up that also includes a picnic option. We will meet for our hybrid event, on a gentle grass slope and under large shade trees, between the Bandshell (outdoor stage) and the large Picnic Shelter #1. A children’s playground is nearby too. There might be a live music event nearby, with seating, on this same Sunday afternoon. Hopefully we can hold a few picnic tables too. Nearby are drinking fountains (plus paint water) and washrooms. There is also a park concession with food, beverages and even Rocky Point Ice Cream. Sketching Subjects: informal strolling garden formal rose garden tall stands of cedar and fir trees drawing each other or other people nearby heritage homes along 1...

  Let’s meet and sketch at Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf! 📍Outside the historical Steveston Tram Building, 4011 Moncton St, Richmond, BC https://g.co/kgs/DT7jB39 June 29, 2025 (Sun) Meetup 🕐 1 pm Sketch Throwdown 🕐 3:30 pm *We will update closer to the date if anything changes. We had a successful meetup at this location a couple of years ago, so we're bringing it back! The once thriving fishing village of Steveston is now a scenic destination, located along an arm of the Fraser and close to the sea. There is a LOT to sketch: the 1912 tram (where we’ll meet), wharfs and fishing boats, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery (Museum), Britannia Shipyards (Museum), Steveston Post Office (Museum), industrial scenery, a store-lined main street, cozy cafes, kites flying in Garry Park, and even the Phoenix Art Studio (Chatham St). Our meetup point at 1 pm will be outside the Steveston Tram Building, near No. 1 Road and Moncton Street. https://stevestonheritage.ca/visit/steveston-tram/ We will retur...

  Let's sketch at Vancouver's horticultural jewel, aka Queen Elizabeth Park! 📍Lion Clock sculpture (Refer to map for the location pin) https://maps.app.goo.gl/o4i87QiQE82es1vP8 June 21, 2025 (Sat) Meetup 🕐 1pm Sketch Throwdown 🕐 3:30 pm *We will update closer to the date if anything changes. The park is a goldmine for sketching subjects - the gorgeously landscaped quarry garden, the Bloedel Conservatory (paid entrance) with its collection of exotic and native trees, the seasonal Duck Pond, pickleball / tennis courts, and various sculptures throughout. The park being at 125 m above sea level, is the highest point in Vancouver and has spectacular views of the city skyline and mountains on the North Shore. Public washrooms are located next to the restaurant "Seasons In The Park". We will reconvene at 3:30 pm in front of Bloedel Conservatory to do the sketchbook throwdown and catch up with each other's adventures! How to Get There: - Skytrain: If taking the Canada ...

  Let's meet and sketch at Italian Day Festival on The Drive! 📍Grandview Park and on the northwest corner of Commercial Drive & Charles Street https://maps.app.goo.gl/C2Ez2mg2LLDUv9Kk9 June 8, 2025 (Sun) Meetup 🕐 1 pm Sketch Throwdown 🕐 3:30 pm *We will update closer to the date if anything changes.   After TWO YEARS, let's sketch together again at this beautiful street festival! Italian Day will stretch out over 14 blocks and provide us with lots of “schizzo” (in Italian) or sketch opportunities. The Drive will come alive with piazza style animated zones, live music, food vendors, patio areas, fun activities and more. If the crowds are too much, just slip into one of the many cafes or eateries along the street. You can also find old houses and pretty gardens, off on the side streets. How to Get There: There will be NO transit service along “the Drive,” so, you will need to - - walk uphill from Clark Drive (#22 Knight bus), - South from either Hastings Street #14 Hastin...

  Let's meet and sketch at the vibrant River Market at New Westminster! 📍Outside Tres Galli Gelato Cafe https://maps.app.goo.gl/fRkRJHwmP8N6dCSE9 May 24, 2025 (Sat) Meetup 🕐 12 noon Sketch Throwdown 🕐 2:30 pm *We will update closer to the date if anything changes.  THE RIVER MARKET is located one block south of the New Westminster Skytrain station and is an ideal indoor location to spread out from. There are multiple sketching themes to choose from - the broad pedestrian promenade with the Fraser River, the tugboats or even the 1930s Samson V sternwheeler boat also close by. Behind the market are the railway tracks where you might see graffiti-decorated freight cars. There is also a large construction site with several tall high rise buildings going up. Finally, there are all kinds of people to sketch, all over the place. How to Get There: Skytrain - Exit from the east side of New Westminster station to ground level on 8th Street. Walk south on 8th Street for half a block, ...

A week from May 1st to May 7th is International Urban Sketchers Week ! Every year, Urban Sketchers celebrate the art and values of on-location drawing throughout the week. Local chapters across the world are joining by organizing a variety of events and activities. Urban Sketchers Vancouver has prepared a list of drawing prompts to encourage the habit of sketching daily. We hope these prompts will inspire you to sketch and share all week long! Grab a sketchbook, art supplies, and maybe even a friend (or two, or a group!) and share your sketching stories and posts on Instagram and our Facebook group using the hashtags #uskweek2025 #uskvan and #uskvancouver . Also tag @usk.vancouver and @urbansketchers to share with the global community who will be celebrating with us together!  Daily prompts May 1st: Art supplies May 2nd: Cafe life May 3rd: Mountains May 4th: Blooms May 5th: Break time May 6th: Transport May 7th: Collections If you notice we have "Blooms" on May 4th and w...

  As part of celebrations of International Urban Sketchers Week running from May 1-7, we are hosting a sketching meetup at Burnaby Blooms ! We had a meetup at the same location last year, though it was rainy. Hope the weather is better this year to enjoy this event at its best. The Burnaby Blooms Festival is held every year at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Deer Lake Park. Let's join this event with our sketchbooks and match the energy of the surroundings. May 4, 2025 (Sun) Meeting spot & time: Outside the Shadbolt Centre overlooking Deer Lake at 1:30 pm Throwdown: Same as the meeting spot at 4:00 pm *We will update closer to the date if anything changes. There are plenty of sketching opportunities here with the picturesque Deer Lake park, the Shadbolt Centre. There are rhododendrons in bloom at this time of the year and if you're into people-sketching, the event itself will provide a great opportunity. Read more about the event here . This is a free admission event...

You haven't checked the Day 1 post yet? Read it here first. On April 5 and 6, 2025, Vancouver Urban Sketchers hosted its inaugural Sketch Weekend on Granville Island in collaboration with the Urban Sketchers Executive Board . Unlike the sunny Day 1, Day 2 arrived with rain, unfortunately. However, the sketchers' energy wasn’t dampened by the gloomy weather. It was truly encouraging to see many sketchers stay engaged and show up for the morning workshop and sketchwalk. Here's a recap of Day 2 of USk Van Sketch Weekend 2025, full of learning, sharing and simply fun moments. [Workshop]  Color First Ink Later Workshop  led by  Mike Daikubara Sunday's workshop was taught by the newly-appointed USk Vice President, Mike Daikubara. He demonstrated a watercolor-first method. By starting with watercolor, a medium that is hard to control, he taught participants how to be bold and to trust their intuition. You have to look at the bigger picture, focusing on the big shapes and lett...